Mobile Food Vendor Inspection Guide

Requirements and Penalties

Howard County Fire Code Title 17.104, Subsection 50.8.1.2 authorizes the Office of the Fire Marshal to inspect, and issue permits for any mobile food vending platform operating within the county. “Mobile food vending platform” refers to any pushcart, trailer, enclosed trailer, or enclosed truck—commonly known as a “food truck”—that uses propane or any other heat source to prepare food or beverages for sale. All food trucks are required to undergo an annual inspection conducted by the Office of the Fire Marshal. 

Failure to obtain a valid permit, as required by the Howard County Fire Prevention Code, constitutes a Class “C” violation and may result in civil citations and fines of up to $250 per violation. Vendors who refuse inspection or fail to correct violations are prohibited from operating within Howard County pursuant to the Fire Code.

Fees

The inspection fee for a 12-month permit is $75 per food truck. All food trucks are inspected, permitted, and billed individually. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid prior to inspection. The fee covers both the initial inspection and one re-inspection, if required.

Timeline

Vendors are strongly encouraged to begin the application and payment process at least two weeks before the desired inspection date. Late applications or payments may result in delays to the inspection schedule.

Licensing Procedures

1. Before proceeding with your inspection with the Office of the Fire Marshal, you must also obtain a separate inspection of your food truck thru the Howard County Health Department – Bureau of Environmental Health. Call 410-313-6300 for information.

2.  Review the pre-inspection checklist to ensure your food truck is compliant. Do not send this checklist to the Office of the Fire Marshal. This is for your convenience only.  
   • Download the Mobile Food Vehicle Pre-Inspection Checklist

3. Complete the inspection application. You may take a photo of the completed application or scan it and email it to Lt. Walt Matthews at fd3790@howardcountymd.gov.
   • Download the Mobile Food Vendor Permit Application

4. If the application is complete, you will be issued an invoice which will be sent to you via email. The Office of the Fire Marshal does not accept payments. The preferred method of payment is by credit card online thru the Howard County Bureau of Finance. Directions for payment will be on your invoice. Corporate checks are permitted but expect significant time delays for processing of mailed or in person payments to the county cashier.

5. Keep a copy of your receipt of payment. You may take a photo, screenshot or actual receipt and email it to Lt. Walt Matthews at fd3790@howardcountymd.gov .  

6. You will be contacted to set up an inspection. Inspections are conducted by appointment only Monday to Friday (except holidays) between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm at 2201 Warwick Way, Marriottsville MD 21104. Do not arrive without an appointment. Off-site inspections will be made at the discretion of the Office of the Fire Marshal but are not guaranteed.

7. At your inspection, be prepared to provide the following:
   1. Proof of current Howard County Health Department Inspection
   2. Valid Driver’s License
   3. Current Vehicle Registration
   4. Current Vehicle Inspection Sticker/Documentation
   5. Current State Vehicle Inspection
   6. Current Vehicle Insurance
       
8. Inspections generally take 15-20 minutes. Upon successful completion of the inspection, a permit sticker will be issued. The sticker must be displayed in a prominent, easily visible location on the unit. Each permit sticker is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Spot checks will be conducted by Fire Officials throughout the County and at venues and Special Events.

Additional Items of Importance – Post Inspection

• All employees should be aware of what to do in case of an emergency. They should also be trained in:
  • use of portable extinguishers and extinguishing systems
  • how to shut off fuel sources
  • proper refueling and gas cylinder change-out
  • performing leak detection
  • knowledge of fuel properties.
• Food trucks should be at least 10 feet from building entrances & exits, other vehicles, tents, and other combustible materials.
• Chocks, jacks, or wheel clamps are required.
• Food trucks should never block access to fire lanes, hydrants, FDCs, or other fire equipment.
• Never create impediments that block immediate escape from the food truck.
• Make sure windows are open and/or ventilation is on before cooking.
• Exhaust systems with filters are operated only with filters in place.
• Portable generator should be at least 12 feet from cooking operations unless in a compartment.
• Portable generators are guarded with cones, fencing, or another type of barrier.
• Portable generators are fueled only when shut down and cooled.
• The propane system should always be inspected before every use; leak detection testing is done anytime a connection is made or a cylinder is changed.
• The public is never allowed inside the food truck.