Warren County (Bowling Green) Permit Overview
Warren County — home to Bowling Green, Kentucky's third-largest city — is served by the Barren River District Health Department. Despite the name, Barren River Health covers Warren County along with several surrounding counties in south-central Kentucky.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Barren River District Health Department |
| Phone | (270) 781-8039 |
| Address | 1109 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| Annual Fee | ~$150 (verify directly) |
| Key Cities | Bowling Green, Smiths Grove, Oakland |
Bowling Green Food Truck Scene
Bowling Green has an active food truck community, driven by Western Kentucky University's student population and a growing downtown entertainment district. The city does not have a formal food truck ordinance as of 2025 — operators generally work from private property agreements or participate in organized events. The Fountain Square Park area and WKU's campus periphery are popular operating zones. Contact the City of Bowling Green's Planning & Zoning department before operating on public right-of-way.
Warren County food truck operators who expand into the NKY market must obtain an NKY Health permit (or give 48-hour notice if they already hold a different Kentucky county permit). The statewide Kentucky MFU permit system means your Barren River District permit lets you operate anywhere in Kentucky with advance notice to the local health department.