This page details the steps necessary to comply with local ordinances, prioritize public safety, and ensure smooth operation of your food trucks.

Food Truck Licensing

Each food truck must obtain an annual license issued to the owner/operator. Licensing requires:

• Completion of a Food Truck Application.
• A Mobile Food Service Unit Safety Inspection, which includes fire safety elements not covered by the Macomb County Health Department.
  • Be sure to include a certified copy of Fuel Supply Line Inspections.
• Must have a current state of Michigan Special Transitory Food Unit License (STFU) or Mobile Food Unit License (MFU).

Completed Food Truck forms and all required documents must be uploaded and emailed to lhodur@shelbytwp.org.

Submission must be completed prior to your scheduled inspection date.

Site Approval

For a food truck to operate on a site:

• The site owner/agent must apply for a Location of Food Truck Permit.
• This permit ensures proper distancing from buildings, maintains parking and traffic flow, and ensures safe access for customers.

Food trucks cannot operate without an approved Location of Food Truck permit.

Food Truck Licenses

Licenses are good for one (1) calendar year. Inspections will need to occur once every calendar year to operate within Shelby Township. 

Apply Online

Fire Department inspection applications are available through the Fire Department’s Community Connect portal. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact the Fire Department to schedule an inspection. Location of inspection will be determined after the Fire Department’s review of the application.

1. Create an account. Sign-up for free with your email address, phone number and business or mailing address.
2. Update Contacts. Add in any other business owners or employee information that the Fire Department may have interactions with.
3. Update Business Information. Fill in any applicable information in the other tiles, such as employees with any special needs, hazardous materials, or fire systems.
4. Upload Attachments. Add any of the requested document or images required for inspections and licenses.
5. Call the Fire Department. Call 586-731-3476 or email lhodur@shelbytwp.org to notify the department of an application for review and to schedule inspection.

Propane is widely used in food trucks but demands strict safety precautions to prevent accidents. Use the following resources to help ensure compliance and safe practices.

Propane Safety Resources

• Propane Safety Fact Sheet
• Cylinder Qualification Guide
• Cylinder Safety Instructions
• Food Truck Safety Tip Sheet

Fire Safety Inspections

Your food truck must pass a fire safety inspection before it can begin operating in Shelby Township.

Safety is our highest priority. Refer to the resources below to maintain compliance and operate responsibly.

• Mobile Food Service Unit Safety Inspection Guide

Follow these steps to obtain your required permits: 

Food Truck Licensing

1. Download and complete the Food Truck Application.
2. Upload and email completed Food Truck forms and all required documents to lhodur@shelbytwp.org.
3. Schedule and pass a Mobile Food Service Unit Safety Inspection.

Site Approvals

1. Site owners or their authorized agents must complete the Location of Food Truck Application.
2. Include a detailed site plan that clearly demonstrates compliance with all distance, access and safety requirements. 

• Food Truck Application
• Location of Food Truck Application
• Mobile Food Service Unit Safety Inspection
• Food Truck Procedure & Requirements
• Food Truck Safety Tip Sheet
• Propane Safety Fact Sheet
• Cylinder Qualification Guide
• Cylinder Safety Instructions

• Why is a food truck ordinance needed?
  • Food trucks have grown in popularity as a way to encourage community engagement. However, before our ordinance, they were not permitted under the existing code. The goal of our ordinance was to legalize food trucks within our community while ensuring their operations remain safe and respectful to nearby residents and businesses.

• What kind of safety issues are we talking about?
  •  Food trucks often include propane tanks, hoses, and other mechanical systems that must be properly designed and maintained for safety. Additionally, their operating locations must provide adequate space for parking, pedestrian safety, and vehicle access—similar to the requirements for brick-and-mortar businesses. Any generators or electrical cords must be placed safely to avoid pedestrian hazards. We also require a clear waste disposal plan, including for grease, to prevent improper use of drains and avoid potential environmental issues.
    

• Doesn’t the County Health Department already inspect these?
  • Health Department inspections do not inspect the mechanical features of the trucks and their systems, nor do they evaluate the safety of the site.

• Why are fees charged for these services?
  •  As with inspections for brick-and-mortar restaurants, the costs associated with inspections and reviews should be the responsibility of the business, not the burden of taxpayers.

• Ordinance 300