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The information below is intended to guide on how to obtain the required inspections and permits for mobile food preparation vehicles (MFPVs) and ensure safe operation in the community.

Operating a mobile food preparation vehicle without the required operational permit is a violation of fire code and subject to penalty. For questions or to schedule an inspection, please contact AFR Fire Code Officials at 303.326.8998 or [email protected].

The City of Aurora’s adopted fire code, the 2021 International Fire Code, requires certain mobile food preparation vehicles operating within the city to maintain an operational permit in addition to their license and health certificate. Mobile food preparation vehicles requiring an operational permit include food trucks, vans, trailers and other vehicles with an enclosed cooking area that contains cooking equipment producing smoke or grease-laden vapors for the purposes of preparing and serving food to the public.

Vehicles do not need to be readily moveable or self-powered to meet the definition of a mobile food preparation vehicle. Stationary, fixed-location, portable, as well as mobile vehicles, require an operational permit if they are equipped with the cooking equipment described above.

Fire Code officials from Aurora Fire Rescue issue mobile food preparation vehicle operational permits after a successful field inspection of the vehicle. Inspections are conducted on city workdays at the Aurora Municipal Center, by appointment only.

AFR recognizes inspections conducted within the last 12 months by a reciprocal Colorado jurisdiction using the Fire Marshal Association of Colorado (FMAC) Food Truck Inspection Program checklist. Mobile food preparation vehicle (Food Truck) owners/operators applying for a new business license on or after 1 Nov 2022 must obtain an operational permit or exemption from AFR Fire Code Officials during the licensing process.

Owners/operators with an existing business license for mobile food vending will require an operational permit or exemption from AFR Fire Code Officials during their next license renewal beginning 1 Dec 2022.

When We Require an Operational Permit for MFPVs

An operational permit is required for any MFPV which produces smoke or grease-laden vapors. Here's a quick reference guide for when you'll need to obtain an operational permit:

• Yes - You must obtain an operational permit at your next business license renewal.
• No - You must obtain an operational permit during your business license application process.

MFPVs with a business license issued on or after December 1, 2022 must have an operational permit if they produce smoke or grease-laden vapors. 

If you HAVE a current FMAC Certificate of Inspection you will need to provide a copy to the Fire Inspector you meet with. 

If you DO NOT HAVE a current FMAC Certificate of Inspection you will need to follow these steps:

1. Schedule a meeting with an Fire Inspector at 303.326.8998 or [email protected].
2. Meetings with Fire Inspectors are by appointment only Monday - Friday, please choose from 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. appointment.
3. During the meeting a Fire Inspector will conduct an inspection of the MFPV using the FMAC checklist.

Effective March 2026, operational permit fees are required for MFPVs. Please refer to the associated fees on our Inspection Fees page.

Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Initiative

The Fire Marshals Association of Colorado (FMAC) has developed a Mobile Food Vehicle Inspection Program as a collaborative initiative supported by fire marshals across the State of Colorado. The intent of this program is to promote consistency in the fire and life safety inspection process for mobile food vehicles operating in multiple jurisdictions statewide.

Aurora Fire Rescue is a participating member of FMAC and participates with the developed program to ensure members of the mobile food vehicle community do not have to undergo repetitive inspections.

For more information regarding the Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Initiative please visit the FMAC website.

Tips for Safe Operation of MFPVs