Ann Arbor, MI Food Truck
Permit Guide 2026
Get your $275 (est.) ($275 (est.)), business license, commissary agreement & fire inspection in Ann Arbor — complete 2026 guide.
Ann Arbor Food Truck Permit Requirements
Key permits every food truck operator needs before hitting the streets in Ann Arbor.
Health Permit
$275 (est.)
Issued by: Washtenaw County Environmental Health
Annual fee: $275 (est.)
Business License
$150 (est.)
Required before any commercial food truck operation. Issued by the city clerk or revenue department.
Fire Safety
$75 (est.)
Covers suppression system, extinguisher certification, and equipment placement. Annual renewal required.
Getting Permitted in Ann Arbor: Step-by-Step
-
1
Register your business
Form an LLC or sole proprietorship with MI and obtain your EIN from the IRS. This is required before applying for any permits.
-
2
Secure a licensed commissary kitchen
Michigan requires mobile food establishments to operate from an approved commissary or licensed food establishment for food prep, storage, and cleaning. Commissary agreement must be submitted with license application. You'll need a signed commissary agreement before the health department will approve your application.
-
3
Apply for your health permit
Submit your application to the Washtenaw County Environmental Health with your commissary agreement, equipment list, and menu. Schedule your pre-opening inspection.
-
4
Pass your fire inspection
Schedule a $75 (est.) inspection. Ensure your suppression system is serviced, extinguisher is current, and propane connections are compliant.
-
5
Obtain your business license
Apply for your $150 (est.) through the city's business licensing office. Some cities require this before the health permit application.
-
6
Get insured
Most Ann Arbor venues and events require proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum). Commercial auto coverage is also required to operate legally.
$275 (est.)
Health Permit
$150 (est.)
Business License
$75 (est.)
Fire Inspection
$300-$550/mo
Commissary/mo
Commissary Kitchen Requirement in Ann Arbor
Most states and cities require food trucks to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen. Here's what Ann Arbor operators need to know.
Ann Arbor Commissary Requirement
Michigan requires mobile food establishments to operate from an approved commissary or licensed food establishment for food prep, storage, and cleaning. Commissary agreement must be submitted with license application. A commissary provides licensed prep space, sanitary storage, and wastewater disposal — all required by health codes before your permit is issued.
What You'll Need
- ✓ Signed commissary agreement
- ✓ Health dept-approved kitchen
- ✓ Dedicated storage space
- ✓ Wastewater dump access
Typical Costs
$300-$550/mo
per month (Ann Arbor area)
Shared prep, storage, and dump station included at most facilities.
Find One
StreetLegal's kitchen marketplace lists verified commissary kitchens with availability and pricing.
Search Kitchens in Ann Arbor →Find Commissary Kitchens Near Ann Arbor
Interactive map with verified kitchens, availability, and pricing
Get Your Ann Arbor Food Truck Permit Faster
StreetLegal automates your permit applications, tracks renewal deadlines, and connects you with commissary kitchens in Ann Arbor — all in one platform.