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Mobile Retail Food Licensing

If You Are Opening a Mobile Retail Food Establishment

Mobile food establishments are like restaurants on wheels. Many of the same code requirements for restaurants apply to them, including licensing. It’s important to take the time to fully research your new business before applying for a license.

Please review the following information prior to purchasing and/or building a mobile food unit and applying for the mobile food cart and base licenses.

• Guidelines for Mobile Units
• Plan of Operation - Mobile Units
• Plan Review Application
• Service Base Sharing Agreement
• Mobile Base Log Sheet
• Certified Food Protection Manager Information

How To Get a Food License

1. Complete the Plan of Operation document. For questions, to get help completing this document or to contact an Environmental Health Inspector for your area, call Environmental Heath at 262-896-8300 or email us. Once the plan of operation has been reviewed an application form will be sent to you. 
2. Once a completed application form has been submitted and fees paid Schedule a pre-inspection with us:
   • Call 262-896-8300 or email us
   • After your application and fee are processed and your pre-inspection is completed, you will get your license in the mail.

Zoning & Taxes: 

• Zoning: Find out if you need to meet Waukesha County zoning conditions by visiting the jurisdictional app otherwise contact your local municipality
• Sellers Permit: Get a Wisconsin Sellers Permit

Duration:

• Each license issued by Waukesha County expires June 30 of each year.  
• License dates extend from July 1 of one year through June 30 of the following year.
• If a license is granted after April 1 of a license year, that license will extend to June 30 of the following year. 
• Example: If a business is licensed on April 1, 2023, then its license will expire June 30, 2024.
• Renewal fees for existing establishments shall be submitted to Waukesha County Environmental Health before June 30 each year.

Resources:

Chapter 9 Mobile Units 
Licensing Readiness Checklist - After Plan Review
Mobile Unit Checklist for Operators
Reinspection Fact Sheet
Self Inspection Checklist

Want to know how your favorite food or recreational facility handles safety? You can read our inspection reports. These reports tell you the conditions we saw at the time of inspection. Reports may not reflect corrective actions the establishment made, or the current condition. 

Report a Concern:

It is our goal to provide a better and safer community for everyone. Our online form is the quickest, most efficient way to notify us of your concern. Your submission will be automatically routed to the appropriate Environmental Health Sanitarian in our Department. You may receive future communication requesting additional information as needed. If your contact information is provided, the Environmental Health Sanitarian will contact you with their findings. Please click on the button below or scan the QR code to submit your concern: