Mobile Food Vendor License

Mobile Food Vendors
Mobile food vendors operating within the City of Kenai must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor license from the City Clerk's Office before operating within Kenai City limits. This requirement applies to any readily moveable vehicle, wagon, or trailer from which food or beverages are prepared for immediate consumption and sold or offered for sale to the public on public or private property within City limits.

Before You Apply
Before operating a mobile food vending unit, you must:

• Obtain a current permit from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health.
• Register to collect sales tax with the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
• Be current in the payment of all taxes owed to the City of Kenai and the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
• Obtain the required liability insurance.
• Submit a completed Mobile Food Vendor License application and pay the applicable license fee.

Application Requirements
To apply submit a complete Mobile Food Vendor Unit Application, the application must include:

• Copy of the current permit issued by the Alaska Department of Enviornmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health; and,
• A current Tax Compliance Certificate issued by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Department; and,
• A Certificate of Insurance, listing the City of Kenai as the certificate holder showing the required liability coverage; and,
• The annual license fee established in the City of Kenai's current fee schedule.
• In accordance with the 2021 International Fire Code 105.5.32 mobile food vending units that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors are required to receive an annual fire inspection. Contact the City of Kenai Fire Marshal at jhamilton@kenai.city to schedule your inspection. 

Insurance Requirements
The Certificate of Insurance must show coverage of at least:

• Personal Injury - Each Occurence $100,000
• Aggregate Products - Each Occurence $300,000
• Property Damage - Each Occurrence $50,000

License Term and Renewal
Mobile Food Vendor Licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 of each year and must be renewed annually. Licenses are not transferable. If the business changes ownership, the new owner must submit a new application before continuing operations.

Operating Requirements
Licensed Mobile Food Vendors must comply with the following requirements:

• A vendor may not operate on a public street, alley, or right-of-way for more than one hour without written permission from the City Clerk.
• Operations may not interfere with the normal flow of traffic, create a pedestrian safety hazard, or violate State or local traffic regulations.
• A vending unit may not operate in front of or immediately adjacent to an established business offering the same or similar products.
• Written approval from the City Clerk is required before operating within a City park.
• Operations may not interfere with other businesses through excessive noise, odors, or other nuisances.
• All waste must be collected and removed from the site at the end of each day.
• Signs must comply with the City’s sign regulations.
• The City-issued Mobile Food Vendor License and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation permit must be posted in a conspicuous location visible to the public.

Vendors operating on City property or during special events may be subject to additional location, parking, or event requirements.

Violations
Operating without a license or violating the requirements of Kenai Municipal Code Chapter 5.25 or the terms of an issued license may result in the license restriction or revocation, civil penalties, or other enforcement action. Each day a violation continues may constitute a separate offense.