Jefferson County (Louisville) Permit Overview
Jefferson County, Kentucky — served by Louisville Metro Government — has a more layered permitting structure than NKY. To legally operate a food truck in Louisville, you need all three of the following:
- Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness — Mobile Food Unit Permit: The health-side permit, required before any food sales. Contact Louisville Metro Public Health at (502) 574-6520. Fee varies by operation type; call for current schedule.
- Louisville Metro Revenue Commission Business License: Required for any business operating in Louisville Metro. Apply at louisvilleky.gov/government/revenue-commission. Annual fee based on revenue.
- Right-of-Way / Zoning Permit (public locations): For operating on public streets or sidewalks, a right-of-way permit is required from Louisville Metro Public Works. Private property operation requires property owner permission and compliance with zoning code.
| Permit | Agency | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| MFU Health Permit | Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness | (502) 574-6520 |
| Business License | Louisville Metro Revenue Commission | (502) 574-4860 |
| Right-of-Way Permit | Louisville Metro Public Works | (502) 574-3011 |
Louisville Food Truck District
Louisville has designated food truck zones in certain neighborhoods, including NuLu (East Market District), the Highlands, and Butchertown. Many food truck operators in Louisville secure spots at private properties — breweries, office parks, event venues — to avoid the public right-of-way permit complexity. NuLu in particular has become a de facto food truck corridor with multiple private lots welcoming truck operations.
The Louisville food truck scene is larger and more competitive than NKY. Operating costs (including the additional permits) are higher, but foot traffic in established Louisville neighborhoods can be substantially greater.