(Revised March 3, 2026)
The Town of Minocqua’s food truck policy is administered through the Town’s Transient Merchant Ordinance, which requires completion of an application and includes background check by law enforcement, approval by the Town Board, and inspection (described below). Site plan, photo of vehicle, menu of items sold, and a description of any on-site signage must be submitted with application.
Permit Fee:
- $200 for initial food truck operation date per calendar year (includes inspection by MFD)
- $50 for each food truck operation date in the same calendar year
The food truck policy applies to motorized food trucks or mobile food trailer units only, which is temporarily located on a premise to sell food items to the general public. The Town will not consider carts, stands, or other vending methods.
The food truck policy is intended to improve available food and meal options in the town such as sandwiches, salads, tacos, wraps, hot entrees, bakery items, and sides. Vendors proposing to sell only snacks and treats like popcorn, candy, and ice cream will not be considered. Approved food vendors may sell soft drinks, coffees, teas, and other non-intoxicating beverages along with food sales.
Food vendors may not sell alcoholic beverages, CBD/THC and hemp-derived products and beverages, tobacco and other nicotine-based products.
If an existing business already has approved outdoor seating, it may be offered to food truck patrons. Installing additional outdoor seating (temporary or permanent) is not allowed.
Food truck vendor must provide trash container(s) sufficient to accommodate waste at food truck location and clean up any loose trash within the general area of the food truck prior to departing. All trash generated must be disposed of properly by the food truck operator; public trash containers may not be used to satisfy this responsibility.
In reviewing applications, the Town Board may use its discretion on a case-by-case basis to limit direct competition with nearby community events.
Other Licenses & Inspections:
A Wisconsin food service license is required (license is transferable between counties as long as it’s current). License must be visibly posted on food truck. Additional guidance: Starting a Mobile Food Truck – State of Wisconsin DATCP.
Oneida County Health Department license is required for food truck operation and includes an inspection. License must be visibly posted on food truck. Additional information at Oneida County food licensing page.
Minocqua Fire Department inspection is required before the initial food truck operation each calendar year. Inspection is by appointment with MFD. No additional inspections are required that calendar year provided there are no changes to the truck, however all food trucks remain subject to random inspections. This inspection is included in the initial food truck permit fee that calendar year.
Where Allowed:
In the commercial (business zoning) districts of the Town of Minocqua.
Food trucks must be associated with a brick-and-mortar business that has ample room in the opinion of the Town Board for a food truck on its premises without otherwise disrupting vehicle mobility in its parking area. (The Town would consider allowing use of one parking space if vehicle mobility in its parking area is not otherwise affected.) Business must provide access to its rest room facilities. If a business owner is requesting a food truck on its premises, the owner must appear at the initial meeting where it is being considered to present the food truck proposal and address any concerns.
The Town is also making Parking Lot E available in the downtown business district, with designated space available for up to 2 food trucks. Public rest room is on adjacent block. A food truck vendor requesting to operate in Parking Lot E must appear at the meeting where it is being considered to present the food truck proposal and address any concerns. A Certificate of General Liability Insurance (COI) with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence, naming the Town of Minocqua as an additional insured, must be provided prior to placement and operation a food truck in Parking Lot E. A $250 deposit is required for food truck vendors using Parking Lot E in the event the Town incurs costs for clean-up or damage; the deposit is refundable if the food truck vendor provides proper clean-up and does not cause any damage to the site.
How Often Allowed:
Maximum of 3 times per calendar week, year-round.
Time of Day Allowed:
Between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Restricted Date:
Day of Beef-A-Rama (last Saturday in September), food trucks may not operate before 5 p.m. (exceptions for event vendors).
NO OFF-PREMISE SIGNAGE OF ANY KIND IS PERMITTED
Non-profit organizations must also follow the Food Truck Policy.
Food booths contained within the standard booth setup of approved craft fairs and farmers markets are exempt from this policy; however, craft fairs and farmers markets may not have more than 3 total food vendors in any combination of food trucks or food booths.
The Town may consider exceptions for established major events associated with non-profit service organizations.
The Town may deny or rescind permits for future dates if the food truck vendor and/or business owner fail to comply with requirements of this policy. If concerns arise that require modifications to the policy, the Town Board can implement changes at any time.
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