Food trucks in Tennessee
Tennessee permits food trucks as mobile food units under the state food service establishment rules (Rule 1200-23-01). The Tennessee Department of Health's Environmental Health Program issues permits through local health departments, except in the five contract counties (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison and Shelby), where the county health department handles permitting, inspections and enforcement. Cities such as Chattanooga add their own vending permits and zones.
Read the full guide: how to get a food truck permit in Tennessee →
Who issues food truck permits in Tennessee
State and local health departments
Shelby County asks for a notarized Commissary Agreement Form and a Wastewater Disposal Agreement Form. Hamilton County asks for a commissary agreement or, if you do not use a commissary, a servicing area agreement. Knox County says a vendor using a commissary must have a commissary agreement on file. Check with your local health department. Source ↗
The Tennessee Department of Revenue lists a general state sales tax rate of 7%, plus a local rate that varies by county and/or city, as listed on 2026-10-03. Shelby County's mobile food unit application asks for a business license or registration with the Department of Revenue. Source ↗
Fire requirements for food trucks are set locally. The Knox County Health Department says the fire marshal has jurisdiction over hood suppression systems in mobile units and refers operators to the Knox County, City of Knoxville or Town of Farragut fire marshal's office. In Chattanooga, units that cook with propane or natural gas or use animal fats need a Type I or Type II hood, a working automatic fire suppression system, a carbon monoxide detector and gas piping made of steel, copper or brass. Source ↗
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Questions and answers
Who issues food truck health permits in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Department of Health's Environmental Health Program permits food service establishments through local health departments. In Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison and Shelby counties, the county health department handles its own permitting, inspections and enforcement.
Is a commissary required in Tennessee?
It depends on the county. Shelby County asks for a notarized Commissary Agreement Form and a Wastewater Disposal Agreement Form. Hamilton County asks for a commissary agreement or, without a commissary, a servicing area agreement. Check with your local health department.
What is the permit year for Tennessee food service permits?
The Tennessee Department of Health lists the food service establishment permit year as July 1 through June 30. In Knox County, the Mobile Food Unit permit fee is $210 for that permit year, as listed by the Knox County Health Department on 2026-10-03.
Can I park my food truck on city streets in Chattanooga?
Only in designated Mobile Food Unit Zones or at special events. After getting the city's Mobile Food Unit permit from the City Treasurer, you reserve on-street spaces within a zone through the Chattanooga Parking Authority.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- www.tn.gov/health/eh.html
- health.hamiltontn.org/en-us/services/environmental/foodprotectionservices/applyforfoodserviceestablishment.aspx
- www.knoxcounty.org/health/EH/foodProtection.php
- www.knoxcounty.org/health/EH/faqs.php
- www.shelbytnhealth.com/376/Mobile-Food-Units
- www.nashville.gov/departments/health/environmental-health/food-and-public-facilities/food-protection-services
- chattanooga.gov/government/public-works/regulations-and-policies/food-trucks-on-public-property
- www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax.html