Food Truck Health Permit (ISD) + Fire Permit (BFD) for the unit: Boston restaurant guide
Boston ISD — Health Division / Boston Fire Department — Fire Prevention
What it is
The truck itself is inspected twice: ISD Health checks the kitchen build, commissary and food safety; BFD checks the cooking suppression system, extinguishers and propane/generator setup. Both come before the City food truck permit.
When a restaurant needs it
Every food truck, before the City permit.
How to apply
ISD: bring the health permit application, Food Truck Permit Application, sample menu, commissary proof, Certified Food Manager and ServSafe/allergen certificates to 1010 Mass. Ave. (walk-in Mon–Fri 8–9:30 a.m.) after the truck is built. BFD: book an inspection (617-343-3447) with the Open Burning and Cooking Operations application, suppression documentation and extinguisher proof.
Documents you’ll need
- ISD health permit application + Food Truck Permit Application
- Sample menu
- Commissary letter from the licensed kitchen
- Certified Food Protection Manager + ServSafe allergen certificates
- Use of Premises permit (if selling on private property)
- Open Burning and Cooking Operations permit application (BFD)
- Fire suppression system documentation and extinguisher proof
Good to know
Boston's restaurant Food Service Permit page says trucks follow this separate process — don't file the restaurant application for the truck.
Official source
Boston — health and fire permits for your food truck
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.