Food Truck Permits

Thinking of operating a food truck in Los Alamos County? Whether you're a local entrepreneur or visiting vendor, food trucks are a popular and growing part of the dining scene here. To help ensure safety and compliance, Los Alamos County requires all mobile food vendors to meet specific permitting and inspection requirements before setting up shop.

Permitting Requirements

A Temporary Use Permit is required and must include several additional items as part of the application process: valid state licensing information, a Los Alamos County Business License, an operational inspection conducted by the Fire Marshal(PDF, 550KB), and a propane inspection completed by the New Mexico LP Gas Bureau(PDF, 373KB). You can view the full application and permitting requirements in the Temporary Use Application Packet. Scroll to the “Mobile Food Vending” section for specific guidance.

If you're not yet registered as a business in Los Alamos County, click here to apply for a Business License.

Permitting Process

A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) is required and will be issued upon submission of the following documentation:

  1. Valid State License information
  2. Proof of Operational Inspection conducted by the Los Alamos County Fire Marshal
  3. Proof of Propane Inspection completed by the New Mexico LP Gas Bureau
  4. A current Los Alamos County Business License

Vending at County Sponsored Events

Larger events, like ones sponsored by Los Alamos County, require a Special Event Permit. If you are interested in vending at a County-sponsored event, you must receive approval by the event host. To find out who an event host is, contact the Community Services Department at 505-662-8241 or csd@lacnm.us.

Note: Requirements are the same regardless of the duration of food truck operation for non-County sponsored events.

Current Fees

Temporary Use Permit: $25
Business License: $35
Fire Department Operation Inspection: No Fee
Propane Inspection (LP Gas Bureau): $15

Inspection Considerations

Same-day fire inspections are not recommended, as failure may result in delays.

The Fire Marshal may allow same-day inspections on a case-by-case basis if:

  • Recent photos and inspection documentation from other NM municipalities are provided
  • The documentation demonstrates clear compliance with safety requirements

Helpful Contacts When Obtaining Requirements

Los Alamos County Fire Marshal

Colorado Cordova
505-662-8314
colorado.cordova@lacnm.us

New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department LP Gas Bureau

5500 San Antonio Dr, NE Suite F
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 222-9808
cid.lpgas@rld.nm.gov

James Morrison, Bureau Chief
(505) 795-1632
jamesd.morrison@rld.nm.gov

Community Development Department

For additional assistance or questions about vending in Los Alamos County, please contact the Community Development Department at (505) 662-8120 or visit us at 1000 Central Ave. Suite 150, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 87544.

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