What is a Mobile Cooking Operation? 

A Mobile Cooking Operation (MCO) is a vehicle or temporary concession site that is used to cook, sell or distribute food. The following is a sampling of units that would qualify as an MCO: 

• Food truck 
• Chip truck 
• Doughnut shack 
• Hot dog cart 
• Burger wagon 

The MCO may utilize electricity, wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas as energy for cooking. To power lights, fans and cooling equipment they may use on-site generated or supplied electricity.  

More information on how to safely set up and operate an MCO may be found on the Municipal Affairs website

What Do I Need to Operate a Mobile Cooking Operation? 

Alberta Health Services Food Handling Permit

Alberta Health Services requires a valid Food Handling Permit for all Mobile Food Vending Units.

For detailed information, please visit Mobile Food Vending Unit Requirements.

To obtain a Food Handling Permit, please visit Open a Business, which is administered by the Office of Environmental Public Health.

Fire Services Requirements

St. Albert Fire Services and the City of St. Albert Inspections Branch require all MCOs to annually verify conformance to the Safety Codes Act, prior to operating within the City.

Fill out the Application Form 

1. Complete the MCO Application Form
   • If you have City of Edmonton or Strathcona County MCO approval, submit all inspection documentation with your application. 
   • If you do not have MCO approval from either the City of Edmonton or Strathcona County and you plan on operating in St. Albert, your operation will require a third-party inspection. All of the following forms must be completed by an accredited agency within Alberta and submitted with your MCO application form:
     • Electrical Safety Declaration
     • Ventilation Safety Declaration 
     • Plumbing and Gas Safety Declaration
     • Fire Protection Safety Declaration
2. Submit it to fireadmin@stalbert.ca. Permits are typically issued within several days of all documents being received. Incomplete documentation will result in a delay in approvals.

Development Permit Requirement

Operating a mobile cooking operation requires a Development Permit, as per the Land-Use Bylaw.

To obtain this permit, please contact development@stalbert.ca to speak with a Development Officer.

Business Licence Requirement

Anyone who carries on or operates a business in St. Albert must obtain a business licence, as per the Business Licence Bylaw.

To obtain a business licence, please visit Apply for a Business Licence.

Where Can Mobile Cooking Operation Operate?

• Can I operate a Mobile Cooking Operation as part of a permitted Special Event?
  • Yes. A mobile cooking operation can operate as part of a permitted Special Event. When operating exclusively, as part of a permitted Special Event, a mobile cooking operation does not require a business licence or a development permit.
• Can I operate a Mobile Cooking Operation in a park?
  • Mobile Cooking Operations may operate in St. Albert in parks, as part of an event, under the condition that the event has obtained Special Event Permit. MCO operating in parks, as part of a permitted event, must still meet all other applicable requirements.
• Can I operate a Mobile Cooking Operation on a commercial property? (e.g., a shopping centre)
  • Yes. A Mobile Cooking Operation can operate from privately owned commercial property; however, the following approvals are required:
    • A Temporary Development Permit
    • A Business Licence
    • An Owner's Authorization from the property owner
  • Note, these items must be completed before operation begins.
• Can I operate a Mobile Cooking Operation on a public road pr parking area?
  • No. Use of public roads, including parking areas, stalls, and lots is not permitted for Mobile Cooking Operations, except with a Special Event permit.