Mobile and Portable Units

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All mobile and portable units (referred to as mobile units) serving food to the public in Washoe County must be permitted as a food establishment and are subject to regular inspections. Mobile units are required to work out of an approved servicing area to ensure units are supported with essential services to meet Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) regulations. All mobile units must obtain a valid Health Permit to Operate prior to operating. Download our Mobile and Portable Unit Guidance Document for more detailed information on opening and operating a mobile unit in Washoe County. 

A mobile unit means any vehicle operating from an approved servicing area in which food, beverages, frozen desserts, or dairy products and mixes are prepared, processed, or converted for human consumption and which is used to sell and dispense food and beverages to customers. The term includes full service “hot” trucks and limited service “ice cream” trucks.

A portable unit means a food establishment on wheels, easily conveyed from a servicing area to one or more approved locations where food is served, and clearly identified in the permit application (i.e., coffee carts, hot dog carts, trailer units, etc.).

A servicing area means a location approved by the Health Authority and used by operators of mobile units and portable units for service of food for such things as food and supply storage, warewashing, food preparation, vehicle and equipment cleaning and maintenance, discharging liquid or solid wastes, and refilling water tanks and ice bins.

Obtaining a Health Permit

Before beginning the application process, review the NNPH Food Establishment Regulations. Regulations specific to mobile and portable unit plan reviews and operations are included in Chapter 190, however permitted mobile units are subject to all applicable regulations. Download our Mobile Food Establishment Unit Checklist for a non-exhaustive list of construction requirements for opening a mobile unit. 

To apply for a Health Permit to Operate, complete and submit the following forms to NNPH EHS in addition to all applicable fees.

Operating at Special Events

The operation of mobile units at Special Events has been increasingly noted by NNPH. It is required for all mobile unit operators to notify NNPH when operating at a Special Event. Visit our Special Events page for further information.

Additional Resources

Last modified on 12/04/2024