Mobile Food Vendor

Temporary Commercial Use Permit - Private Property
For a mobile food vendor to operate on private property in Richmond, a Temporary Commercial Use Permit (TCUP) is required. A TCUP allows a limited term use of land that is not otherwise permitted in the City’s Zoning Bylaw. The following information and streamlined application process is specifically for mobile food vendors on private property. A TCUP application is reviewed for:

• Site suitability for operating a mobile food vendor including site access and parking requirements; and
• The impact on neighbouring permanent land uses through a public notification process.
  

Once approved, a TCUP is valid for a period of two years with the option to renew one time for an additional period of two years. Once the extension period is finished, a new application will be required to continue the use. A TCUP applies to a specific property and is not transferrable from one site to another.

Properties located with the Agricultural Land Reserve, seeking to host a food truck on ALR land, are regulated by the Agricultural Land Commission. For more information, and to see if your property is suited to host a food truck, please contact the ALC.

Application Process
To apply for a TCUP, submit a completed application form, site plan, parking requirements and pay the application fee.

All applications will be reviewed by the City of Richmond for site suitability and impact on neighbouring permanent land uses located on the site. Carefully review the Temporary Commercial Use Permit Application Guidelines provided in the application package below.

Before applying for a TCUP, applicants will require a valid business licence to operate as a mobile food vendor in Richmond. As part of the Business Licence process, operators will be required to submit proof of a commercial kitchen address, Richmond Fire Rescue or Mobile Outdoor Food Service Unit (MOFSU) inspection decal, and a Vancouver Coastal Health permit. Staff will confirm this as part of the TCUP approval process. 

Application Package
Temporary Commercial Use Permit Application Guidelines for Private Property
Temporary Commercial Use Permit Application Form and Parking Requirements for Private Property
Letter of Authorization
Application Checklist
Site Plan Example

Note: After completing the fillable PDF, save it to your computer and email it to buslic@richmond.ca with the rest of your application package.

Notification Requirements
The City of Richmond will conduct a public notification period during the application process. Businesses and residents located on the subject property will receive a letter with instructions on how to comment on the permit application.

Contact Information
Business Licencing Department
Phone: 604-276-4328
Email: buslic@richmond.ca

Permitted City Sidewalk Locations
The City of Richmond has nine approved vending locations along the No. 3 Road corridor that have space to accommodate varying sizes of food carts or food trucks, allow for safe loading and unloading, and will not obstruct pedestrian activities.

City of Richmond Mobile Food Vending – Locations Map

Application Process
To apply to be a mobile vendor on public property, submit a completed application form, confirm the proposed location with the City of Richmond, and pay the required fees. 

All applications will be reviewed by the City of Richmond. Carefully review the Application Guidelines provided in the application package below.

Applicants will require a valid business licence to operate as a mobile food vendor in Richmond. As part of the Business Licence process, operators will be required to submit proof of a commercial kitchen address, Richmond Fire Rescue or Mobile Outdoor Food Service Unit (MOFSU) inspection decal, and a Vancouver Coastal Health permit. 

Application Package
Application Guidelines
City of Richmond Mobile Food Vending – Locations Map 
Application Form

Submit your application form and any inquiries to:
Economic Development Office
Email: economicdev@richmond.ca
Phone: 604-247-4934

Mobile food vendors who wish to operate at community special events should refer to the individual event organizer’s website for instructions on how to apply to be a vendor at the event. The City is not involved with the application process for specific community events. 

In order to operate at an event in Richmond, mobile food vendors must obtain a City of Richmond business licence. As part of the inspection process for this licence, vendors are required to provide proof of a commercial kitchen where food will be prepared, a Vancouver Coastal Health permit, and a Richmond Fire Rescue or Mobile Outdoor Food Service Unit (MOFSU) inspection decal. 

Food vending vehicle inspections must take place at least two weeks prior to the event/date you plan to operate. Mobile food vendors should consider attending the annual MOFSU Inspection Day, which is held annually in April. Nearly 20 representatives from fire departments across the Lower Mainland will be on-site conducting inspections of food trucks and food trailers throughout the day.