Mobile Food Unit Rules, Regulations and Information
Are you a mobile food unit vendor looking to operate in Aurora?
See below for helpful information as well as the application.
Looking for a mobile food unit for an event?
Vendors listed here may have an annual license, or may have received an event license at one point in the year. Event organizers/hosts should ask the vendor if they have a current license, or contact the License Administrator at 630-256-3560 to inquire.
Want to participate in an event?
Follow these steps to ensure compliance.
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If the event is on public (city) property, a “Special Event Permit” may be required. Contact Community Events at specialevents@aurora.il.us or by calling 630-256-3370.
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Unsure if the event requires a permit or consent form? Contact the License Administrator at RevenueandCollections@aurora.il.us or 630-256-3560.
City Designated Mobile Food Unit Spots
The map below lists spots designated by the City of Aurora for licensed mobile food units to utilize on a first-come-first-serve basis. All users must have a current City of Aurora license.
Distance Reduction Hearing
Are you a vendor with an annual license looking to operate within 100 ft. of a brick-and-mortar restaurant? Review the information below on how to request a “Distance Reduction Hearing."
Online Applications
PDF Applications
Mobile Foot Unit Newsletters
FAQs
How do I apply for a permit?
Contact the Revenue and Collections Department at 630-256-3571 or apply online.
What are the requirements?
A complete application including a State of Illinois Tax ID number, passing a local health department inspection, passing an AFP inspection, and passing a visual inspection. Annual vendors must be an Aurora-based business.
How far in advance of the event date do I need to register?
At least 14 days in advance.
How long will my permit be valid?
An annual vendor is valid until December 31st of the current year.
An event permit is valid for the event date, up to 2 consecutive days.
How do I schedule my food truck inspections?
Contact the Revenue and Collections Department at 630-256-3571.
Contact the Aurora Fire Prevention Department at 630-256-4130.
Contact your local health department.
- Kane County: 630-208-3801
- DuPage County: 630-682-7400
- Will County: 815-727-8480
- Kendall County: 630-553-9100
How much is a permit?
For annual permits, you must pay a $500.00 bond with cash or check, and must submit a monthly tax.
For an individual event, you must pay $40.00 per event with cash, check, credit card in person. Over the phone payment is also accepted.
What are my payment options?
You can pay in person or by mail at the Revenue & Collections Division, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60507.
You can pay by phone at 630-256-3571.
Monthly taxes can also be paid online via aurora.egovpayments.com.
What hours can I operate?
For annual permit holders, there are no restricted hours. In residential areas, though, you can only operate from 7am-10pm. For event permit holders, units may operate during event hours only.
Where can I operate once I have a permit?
Your approved location given by the City of Aurora.
Can I leave my truck overnight?
No. No overnight parking is allowed.
Can I operate from a gas station or vacant lot?
No, you cannot operate from a gas station or vacant lot.
I have a pushcart/food stand. Can I get a permit?
Approved food carts are only eligible to apply for special events.
What do I need to do if I want to participate in another event?
You must pay $40.00 if you have already turned in all of your required documents and all inspections have been passed for the current calendar year.
I am only participating at the Farmers Markets. What do I need?
All registration requirements from the State of Illinois, Revenue and Collections, the Special Events Division, a local health department inspection, an AFP fire inspection, and a visual inspection.
I am only participating at RiverEdge Park events. What do I need?
All registration requirements from the State of Illinois, Revenue and Collections, the Special Events Division, a local health department inspection, an AFP fire inspection, and a visual inspection.
I am a catering food for an event on private property. Do I need to register?
Yes, registration is required, but you do not need to pay food & beverage tax. You will still need all registration requirements from the State of Illinois, Revenue and Collections, the Special Events Division, a local health department inspection, an AFP fire inspection, and a visual inspection.
I only sell baked goods. Do I need a permit?
You must fill out the mobile application, complete an inspection, and consult with the local health department.
I only sell smoothies that are prepared on the truck. Do I need a permit?
Yes, you do need a permit.
I have an ice cream truck. Do I need a permit?
Yes, and if you are selling pre-packaged ice cream, you also need a Peddlers and Solicitors Permit.
I sell prepackaged food that is prepared from a commissary, not within the truck. Do I need a permit?
Yes, you do need a permit.
Am I allowed to sell alcohol?
The Liquor Commissioner must approve you to sell alcohol. You may contact the City Clerk’s office at 630-256-3070 or visit the City's Clerk Office webpage.
Can I set up a tent/outdoor seating?
Tents and outdoor seating are only allowed by approval at special events.
Can I play amplified music from my truck?
No, you cannot play amplified music from your truck.
I have a food permit through a different county. Do I still need a permit from Aurora?
Yes. We require a health department permit from the Aurora county you will be operating in: Kane, DuPage, Will, or Kendall.
I’ve been told I’m within 100 ft of another restaurant and need to do a variance. What do I need to do?
You must complete a Variance application to be reviewed by a hearing officer. Once approved by the hearing officer, you may operate at the approved location.
What if I do not pass my fire inspection? Can I still participate?
No. A failed fire inspection prohibits you from obtaining a mobile food vendor license and therefore prohibits you from operating within City limits. If passed at a later date, a license may then be obtained.
Contact Us
License Administrator
Lisa Zepeda, Manager, Revenue & Collections
630-256-3561
zepedal@aurora.il.us
Fire Prevention Bureau
630-256-4130
FPB@aurora.il.us