News Flash

June 14, 2023 — The City of Hampton is allowing food trucks in more parts of the city and is streamlining the permitting process for food truck owners.

Previously, food trucks were only allowed in certain retail areas that allowed “outdoor sales,” which limited their locations. Sites had to apply annually for a peddler’s permit, and the downtown and Coliseum areas did not allow trucks at all. Most of the food truck sites (outside of special events) have been at breweries.

Now, after changes approved by City Council last month, any business or business park can apply to be a “host site” for food trucks. The owner of the property has to apply, which means that any property owner who doesn’t want trucks won’t have them. Trucks must be on private property, not a public road. Once a host site is approved, there will be no need to reapply annually.

Food trucks still cannot operate in most areas zoned as residential, although they are allowed there as part of a special event.

There are still restrictions:

• Trucks must be on an improved surface, not dirt or grass.
• There are setback requirements.

For food truck owners, the approval process is streamlined. They no longer need a peddlers permit or a peddler’s license, and there is no longer a requirement that trucks pay $25 per year per site. Operators will still need a food truck business license and are subject to Health Department and Fire Department inspections/regulations.

For full details, operators and host sites can click here.