Mobile Food Unit Fire Permit — TN State Fire Marshal (statewide) or Metro Fire Marshal (local): Nashville restaurant guide
Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office / Nashville Fire Marshal's Office
What it is
Fire-safety sign-off for the truck's propane, cooking hood, suppression and electrical. Under Public Chapter 390 (2023) the State Fire Marshal's annual Mobile Food Unit permit must be honored by every local government, so one state permit covers Nashville and every other Tennessee city; without it, Metro's Fire Marshal requires its own Concession Trailer/Food Truck operational permit.
When a restaurant needs it
Before operating; renewed every 12 months. NDOT's downtown vending permit also asks for the Fire Department letter.
How to apply
State: create an account on the Dept. of Commerce & Insurance portal, apply for 'Mobile Food Unit', pay $300 and wait for Codes Enforcement to schedule the inspection. Local alternative: apply in ePermits for the Fire Marshal's Concession Trailer/Food Truck operational permit at least 15 business days ahead.
Documents you’ll need
- Unit description, photos and equipment list
- Propane system details
- Hood/suppression service tags
- Business address and contact
Good to know
If you'll vend outside Davidson County (festivals, other cities), the state permit saves you repeat local inspections.
Official source
TN State Fire Marshal — Mobile food unit fire permit · Nashville Fire Marshal — Operational permits (Concession Trailer/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.