Pennsylvania state page
Pennsylvania food truck permitting is city-driven and county-layered. Pittsburgh operators work through Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD). Philadelphia operators work through the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH). Both cities also require a PA Department of Agriculture license for operators who cross county lines. Use this hub to compare markets and drill into the city guides.
PA Department of Agriculture
Required when crossing county lines. $62–$162/yr. Not needed for single-county operators, but most operators need it eventually.
ACHD (Pittsburgh) / PDPH (Philadelphia)
Primary health oversight. Pittsburgh: $325/yr ACHD Mobile Food Facility. Philadelphia: PDPH Mobile Food Facility permit. Commissary required for both.
City license / vendor registration
Pittsburgh: City of Pittsburgh PLI Mobile Vendor License ($200–$400/yr). Philadelphia: city business registration and zoning clearance.
ACHD Mobile Food Facility License + City PLI vendor license. The sequencing trap that delays most operators — commissary first, then ACHD, then city. Full guide with costs and timeline.
Philadelphia PDPH Mobile Food Facility license, vending license, and zoning. One of the more complex city approval stacks on the East Coast.
| Factor | Pittsburgh | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Primary health authority | Allegheny County Health Dept (ACHD) | Philadelphia Dept of Public Health (PDPH) |
| County health permit cost | ~$325/yr | Varies by category |
| Commissary required | Yes — ACHD requires signed agreement | Yes — PDPH requires commissary |
| Typical timeline | 10–14 weeks (correct sequence) | 8–16 weeks |
| 2026 rule changes | 4-hour move rule eliminated; expanded operating zones | No major 2026 changes reported |
| PA DOA license needed | Only if operating outside Allegheny County | Only if operating outside Philadelphia County |
| Permit expiry | December 31 (all permits) | Varies by permit type |
| First-year budget | $3,500–$6,500 | $4,000–$8,000 |
PA commissary requirement — both cities
Both Pittsburgh (ACHD) and Philadelphia (PDPH) require a signed commissary kitchen agreement before your health permit application is accepted. Lock in your commissary first — before applying for anything else. Most operators who miss this lose 4–8 weeks.
You need a PA Department of Agriculture license only if you operate across county lines. Single-county operators in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia are covered by their county health permit. Most growing operators eventually need it — budget $62–$162/yr.
Both ACHD and PDPH require a signed commissary kitchen agreement before accepting your mobile food facility application. The commissary must be ACHD- or PDPH-approved. Lock this in before applying for anything else — no agreement, no application progress.
Pittsburgh: 10–14 weeks if you follow the correct sequence. Philadelphia: 8–16 weeks. Both cities have inspection backlogs. Apply 3–4 months before your target launch date.
Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) permits expire December 31 regardless of when they were issued. Begin renewal in October. Philadelphia permits vary by type — check your specific permit for the renewal window.