Mobile Food Unit: Plan Review for New Unit

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The Environmental Health program issues foodservice permits, conducts inspections, investigates foodborne illnesses and complaints, and provides guidance for mobile food units in Chatham County. Mobile food units include any self‑propelled or towable vehicle used to prepare, process, or serve food directly to consumers.

Mobile Food Units are considered mobile restaurants and as such, Mobile Food Units must meet the NC FOOD CODE for construction and operational standards.
No person, firm, or corporation should be allowed to operate a Mobile Food Unit FOOD where FOOD or BEVERAGES are served to the public without a PERMIT from the REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
Operators seeking APPROVAL for a Mobile Food Unit must submit a set of drawings including plans for review consistent with 8-201.11 and 8-201.12 of the Food Code.
The NC FOOD CODE requires that Mobile Food Units operate in conjunction with a COMMISSARY /SERVICING AREA and should be based on the menu, type of operation, and availability of the on-board or on-site EQUIPMENT.

MFU 2

Do you have questions for our Food and Lodging Program staff? Did you know that we offer in-office and phone consultations every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 am. No appointment necessary. Just give us a call at 919.542.8208 or come by the Environmental Health office located at 80 East Street, Pittsboro, NC.

What is a Mobile Food Unit?

What is a Commissary?

Mobile Food Units (MFUs) must operate in coordination with an approved commissary or servicing area. During plan review, the menu, operating frequency, and limitations of both the MFU and commissary determine the required services and how often the MFU must return.

The commissary/servicing area must be a fixed, permitted facility (not temporary or mobile) and provide essential support such as food storage and preparation, potable water, waste disposal, equipment cleaning, and supply storage. It must be large enough to support its own operations and any MFUs using it. Approved commissaries may include shared‑use kitchens, restaurants, or licensed catering kitchens, depending on capacity and number of MFUs served.

How do I get a permit?

The following information must be submitted via Environmental Health Open Gov Portal before plans will be accepted:

Plan Review Application with fee

Documents required with application submission

Proposed Menu (include appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts, and drink)
Mobile Food Unit Shared Use Kitchen SOP (Standard operating procedure)
Commissary Approval Form
Floor plan- Sample courtesy of prestige food trucks
Operational Route-Spanish & English
Manufacturer Specification Sheets for all equipment-Sample

*Once the application has been processed, the Environmental Health plan review office has 30 days to conduct the initial review of the application. If changes are required to your plans, you will be notified. Construction may not begin until your plans receive approval from this office.

*Please note-Incomplete information application packet may result in delays

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