For those dreaming of hitting the streets with their own food truck or pushcart, Wake County is the first stop to start the permitting process. To support aspiring entrepreneurs, the Wake County Environmental Health and Safety Division is introducing an educational campaign to equip food truck and pushcart operators with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the permitting process and improve food safety.

“We recognize the growing popularity of food trucks and pushcarts in our community and our goal is to make the permitting process as straightforward and accessible as possible,” said Wake County Commissioner Donald Mial. “Through this campaign, we’re providing the resources and support to help future business owners succeed.”

As part of this initiative, the Wake County Environmental Health and Safety Division has produced five instructional videos available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Telugu. These videos explain in detail how to apply for permits and outline the specific requirements. The videos are available online at wake.gov/foodtrucks as well as on Wake County’s YouTube channel.

In addition to the videos, Wake County will host monthly drop-in Q&A sessions where the public can speak directly with staff to learn more about obtaining a permit to operate a food truck or pushcart. These sessions will be held at the Wake County Office Building. Registration is encouraged.

“We are committed to supporting local entrepreneurs by providing clear guidance and accessible resources,” said Jennifer Brown, Environmental Health and Safety Director. “These monthly sessions and instructional videos are designed to explain the permitting process and help applicants succeed.”

To apply for a permit, prospective operators should begin by visiting wake.gov/foodtrucks to familiarize themselves with the requirements and gather the necessary documents. Applications can be submitted through the online portal, and within approximately 10 business days, Wake County staff will provide feedback on the plan submission. Once the plan is approved, a staff member will coordinate with the applicant to schedule an inspection. It typically takes a couple of inspections before a permit is issued. After passing the final inspection, the permit will be officially granted.