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? 

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.

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