City of Big Lake, Minnesota
mobile food vendors \u2014 permit requirements
City of Big Lake, Minnesota — located in Sherburne County. Mobile food unit permits are required and managed by the City Clerk. Permit options range from short-term ($50 for 1–4 days) to annual ($200). Special rules apply for Lakeside Park vending and city property locations.
Minnesota mobile food vendors need a state food license from MDH (or your delegated local health authority) and a local business permit from City of Big Lake. The state license covers food safety and is valid statewide. The local permit covers business registration, zoning, parking, fire, and other local rules.
Pre-fill ready on BiteBase
Downloadable PDF applicationVerified Jun 2026
- Sign in to BiteBase to pre-fill your application
- Gather required documents (see requirements above)
- Schedule your fire inspection
- Confirm health permit status with St. Cloud District Office
- Pay applicable fees (MFU permit: 1–4 days $50; 5–10 days $100; Annual $200. Lakeside seasonal permits $200–$300; some city events no vendor fee.)
- Your state food license from MDH covers all of Minnesota
Permit requirements
Local business permitRequired — apply before operating
CountySherburne County
Sales tax7.375% combined
Fire inspectionRequired
Processing timeTypically 1 business day
Application methodDownloadable PDF form
Who Regulates
Issuing authorityCity Clerk's Office
Food safety
St. Cloud District Office (MDH)
State licenseMinnesota Dept. of Health (MDH) — statewide food license
Fees
MFU permit: 1–4 days $50; 5–10 days $100; Annual $200. Lakeside seasonal permits $200–$300; some city events no vendor fee.
Payment: In-person: cash or card; Online payment available.
What You Need to Apply
- Background Check / Identity Verification
- Fire Inspection
- General Liability Insurance / Certificate of Insurance
- Photo ID Requirement
- Previous License History
- State Department of Health or Agriculture License
- Vehicle Information
- Vehicle/Truck Photos
- Workers Compensation Insurance
Big Lake Permit Rules & Requirements
Permit fees: $50 – $300(12 fee tiers)
Permit fees12 rules ▾
- Music in the Park vendor permit has no fee
- MFU permit fee for 1-4 day duration: $50
- MFU permit fee for 5-10 day duration: $100
- Annual MFU permit fee: $200
- Seasonal Lakeside Park vendor permit fee: $200
- Combined seasonal and annual Lakeside Park vendor permit fee: $300
- Movie in the Park vendor permit has no fee
- Daily MFU Permit for 1 to 4 days costs $50
- Annual MFU & Lakeside Park Vendor Permit costs $300 and requires preapproval from Recreation and Communication Coordinator
- Lakeside Park Vendor Permit Only costs $200 and requires preapproval from Recreation and Communication Coordinator
- Daily MFU Permit for 5 to 10 days costs $100
- Annual MFU Permit Only expires December 31st each year, fees cannot be prorated
Insurance5 rules ▾
- Must attach certificate of insurance per city code
- City must be listed as additional insured for vending on city property
- City of Big Lake must be listed as Certificate Holder on insurance
- Applicants must provide certificate of general liability insurance with minimum $300,000/$100,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage coverage
- If vending on City owned property, the City must be listed as Coinsured with additional rights on the policy
Workers' compensation3 rules ▾
- Valid workers' compensation policy must be kept in effect at all times by employers as required by law
- State and local licensing agencies must withhold license issuance until workers' compensation compliance evidence is provided
- Must resubmit form if any provided information changes
Documents to submit4 rules ▾
- Lakeside Park vendor permits require preapproval from Recreation and Comm. Coordinator
- Applicant must sign page 2 of application
- Background check authorization form must be notarized
- Must attach copy of self-insurance authorization from Minnesota Department of Commerce if self-insured
State agency licenses3 rules ▾
- Mobile Food Unit operations regulated by MN Department of Health/Agriculture licensing
- Must be licensed by MN Department of Health or Agriculture
- Applicants must provide proof of State Department of Health or Agriculture approved license
Operating restrictions2 rules ▾
- Daily permits must provide 24-hour notice of operation dates
- Annual MFU permit holders not required to notify city of operation dates
Hours of operation1 rule ▾
- Hours of operations regulated by Big Lake City Code Section 321.03, Subd. 7.i
Renewal & expiration2 rules ▾
- Dates of operation may not be consecutive or predetermined at time of application, applicant must notify City within 24 hours of selling
- Background check authorization expires after one year from signature date
Background check1 rule ▾
- Applicant must authorize criminal history and driver's license disclosure to law enforcement agencies
Penalties3 rules ▾
- Failure to conform renders permit null and void
- Failure to complete, supply, or falsify information will result in delay, denial, or revocation of license/application
- False information or non-compliance results in $2,000 penalty and license assessment against applicant
Other rules1 rule ▾
- Mobile Food Units must comply with noise permit regulations - no loud speaking devices unless prior approval with conditions from the City
Rules extracted from Big Lake's permit application. Verify with the city before applying — rules may have changed since extraction.
Official Resources
Additional Notes
Submit completed application to the City Clerk. Background check may be required for park/residential locations.
BiteBase provides a best-effort summary for convenience only. Always verify current requirements directly with the municipality/authority.