- Licenses
- Certified Food Protection Manager Card
- Base of Operation Agreement
- Ask your base of operation to complete the Base of Operation Agreement and upload their health license and most recent inspection report.
- Note: Once completed online, you will get a copy via email.
- Health License Application
Choose the application that applies to you:
- Renew a mobile license and upload the required attachments listed below. (Use this if you already have a health license)
- Apply for a new mobile license (includes plan review) and upload the required attachments listed below. (Use this if you do not have a health license)
- Base of Operation Agreement
- Base of Operation Health License
- Base of Operation's most recent health inspection report
- Mobile Unit's Business License
- Picture of Peddler License sticker (see example(JPG, 275KB))
- Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate
- Plan Review Form (if new, remodeling, or changing owner)
Mobile Food Unit licenses are valid from July 1 to June 30 of the next year
- Fees
- $40 for renewals
- $80 for mobiles that are new, remodeling, or changing owner (includes $40 license fee and $40 plan review fee)
- Payment methods: Credit card (phone or in-person), or check or money order payable to Treasurer, Arlington County (mail or in-person).
- Inspection
- After submitting your application, contact Environmental Health to schedule a joint health and fire inspection.
- All mobile units need a health inspection.
- Mobile units need a fire inspection if they cook or re-heat food (produce grease-laden vapors), or use propane tanks or generators.
- Fire inspection fee: $175, payable onsite (credit/debit/eCheck)
- Review the Inspection Requirements before your inspection to make sure you have everything you need to pass.
Fire Safety
Ensure fire safety equipment is available and stored in your mobile unit according to Fire Prevention Office regulations:
- Hood suppression system and extinguisher(s) that are up to date with testing/inspections
- 2A-10BC extinguisher
- Class K extinguisher if you have a deep fat fryer
- Wheel chocks (wedges to prevent accidental movement)
- Explosive gas detector (follow manufacturer instructions for proper installation)
- No Smoking signs where propane is stored and used
- Propane tanks and storage cabinets should be labeled PROPANE in 3” red letters on a contrasting background
- Propane tanks need to be properly secured
Fire inspection fee: $175, payable onsite (credit/debit/eCheck)
For fire safety questions, please call the Fire Prevention Office at 703-228-4644.
Sinks
Secure sinks to the wall or counter, make sure they work, and stock them with supplies.
Handwashing Sink
- Hot/cold water
- Soap and paper towels
- Handwashing sign posted over the sink
3-Compartment Sink
- Hot/cold water
- Three sink basin stoppers
- Sanitizer and sanitizer test kits
Freshwater and Waste Tanks
- Freshwater tank must have a cap or cover
- Waste tank must be 15% larger than the freshwater thank and have a working valve
Food Preparation Equipment and Utensils
Install the food preparation equipment and utensils and make sure they work.
- Commercial/NSF approved equipment
- Ventilation hood with grease/oil drip pan
- Refrigerators kept at 41°F or lower with thermometers
- Hot-holding equipment kept at 135°F or higher
- Calibrated food thermometer to take internal food temperatures
Mesh Screen
- Serve all food from a fully enclosed mobile unit.
- Use a mesh screen to cover the vending window when you're not serving customers.
The Virginia Department of Health and Arlington County Public Health Division recognize Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification programs accredited by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). Visit CFP’s website for information about their accreditation process, or get a list of accredited programs from the American National Standards Institute.
Mobile Vending Zones are created for food trucks in which they are exclusively allowed to vend during set hours. However, mobile vending is not limited to these zones. For more information on vending, please see the Arlington County Code.
Rosslyn Vending Zone Hours: 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday–Friday
Court House Vending Zone Hours: 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday–Friday
Clarendon Vending Zone Hours: 10 p.m.–2 a.m., Friday–Sunday
Download more information about Mobile Vending Zones
Review the requirements for Temporary Food Establishment Licenses if you are a mobile food unit interested in participating in an event, or you would like to have a vendor at your event.