Food Trucks

Are you interested in operating a Food Truck in the City of Great Falls? We're here to help you get rolling!

We know the process of getting your food truck up and running involves several steps and agencies – and it can feel like a lot. The City of Great Falls is committed to supporting our mobile food entrepreneurs by making the process as streamlined and transparent as possible.

Each department plays a key role in ensuring your business is safe, legal, and set up for success. While it may take a little coordination up front, we promise it’s worth it in the long run. Our staff is here to help guide you through each step and answer your questions along the way.

Thanks for choosing to serve Great Falls – we can’t wait to taste what you’re cooking!

To get started, follow the steps below: 

Step 1A:  Contact Great Falls Fire Rescue (GFFR)

For state regulations, such as hood vent requirements and fire extinguishing systems.

Website:  greatfallsmt.net/fire/mobile-food-vendor-requirements

Phone:  (406) 727-8070

• GFFR requires a fire safety inspection of the mobile food/temporary cooking operation annually.
• A copy of the fire inspection report, and the inspection, testing, and maintenance report shall be kept readily available in the mobile food or temporary cooking operation.

Step 1B:  Contact City-County Health Dept. (Environmental Health Division)

For a Mobile Food Establishment (MFE) Plan Review and License.

Website:  cascadecountymt.gov/280/Food-Service-Licensing-Permitting

Phone:  (406) 454-6950

• All MFE are required to have a state (DPHHS) Retail Food Establishment license
• New MFE must go through plan review and be inspected in the county they live in prior to being licensed
• MFE that change ownership must complete plan review and get licensed under the new owner
• MFE from other counties should contact CCHD prior to operating in the county

Step 2:  Contact City Planning and Community Development

For business licensing requirements and zoning regulations

Website:  https://greatfallsmt.net/planning/food-trucks

Phone:  (406) 455-8430

• Vendors are responsible for maintaining the area around the truck in a neat, clean appearance and shall provide a trash receptacle and dispose of the refuse at an off-site location. OCCGF 17.20.8.060
• Location of a food truck and customer line must not block the public or interfere with access to sidewalks, ramps, curb cuts, or other conveniences for individuals with disabilities. OCCGF 12.3.010

Step 3: Determine where you will operate

In a City park or City owned property? Contact Park and Recreation for regulations, including a mobile vendor contract, insurance requirements, and fees. (406) 771-1265

On privately owned property?  Contact Planning for allowable zoning districts and to ensure vehicular and pedestrian circulation are not negatively impacted. (406) 455-8430

In a Downtown metered parking space? Contact SP+ (the City’s Downtown Parking Vendor) for meter bagging and other downtown parking information. (406) 727-7828