A Mobile Food Vendor Permit was established by the Common Council in 2025, Ordinance No. 2025-15 An Ordinance To Create Section 12.17 of the Elkhorn Municipal Code Titled "Mobile Food Vendors" shall be effective on January 1, 2026. No Mobile Food Vendor shall serve or sell any food whatsoever in the City of Elkhorn without first obtaining an approved permit, except for vendors approved by the Common Council for a Special Event. City sponsored events, events held at the County Fairgrounds, or Chamber of Commerce sponsored events.
"Mobile Food Establishment" means a restaurant or retail food establishment where food is served or sold from a movable vehicle, trailer, push cart, or similar portable device which periodically or continuously changes location and requires a service base to accommodate the unit for servicing, cleaning, inspection and maintenance.
"Mobile Food Vendor" or "Vendor" means the owner, owner's agent or employee of a Mobile Food Establishment within the City of Elkhorn.
Applying for a City of Elkhorn Mobile Food Vendor Permit
Mobile Food Vendors operators must have the following documents along with the Mobile Food Vendor Application:
- Copy of driver's license or other government-issued photo identification
- State of Wisconsin's Seller's Permit
- State of Wisconsin Health Certificate
- Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Elkhorn as Additionally Insured
- Payment of application fee:
Daily Permit: $50.00
Annual Permit: $200.00
All required documentation and payment must be submitted before the permit will be reviewed or issued.
Fire Department Inspection Required
All Mobile Food Vendors operating within the City are required to obtain fire inspection approval prior to operating. The Elkhorn Area Fire Department will conduct safety inspections for all mobile food vehicles.
As required by City of Elkhorn Municipal Code Sec. 2025-15(1)(c), inspections must be completed before operation of the mobile food vehicle and may also be conducted at any time during the license year, at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
Questions regarding the Fire Department inspection may be directed to Bruce Klinger, Fire Inspector, at (262)294-1871.
To view the full Ordinance No. 2025-15, click here.