All components and appliances must be cleared for use in Canada. Whether the MCO is new or used, all electrical, gas and plumbing inspections must be current. The Town of Taber will accept other municipalities’ inspector approvals for electrical, gas and plumbing but in some cases may require a more current inspection.

The most pertinent information can be found in the above mentioned Fire Standatas #19-FCI-006  and #19-FCI-002. The National Fire and Building Codes 2019 (AE) apply as well.

For other general info and tips, please see our Food Truck Guidelines document.

Yes. All businesses operating within the Town of Taber limits required a Town of Taber business license.

Contact the Planning and Economic Development Department at 403-223-6009 or email us to discuss what options are available to you. We have multiple options available depending on your needs.

As part of the licensing process, an annual fire inspection is required by the Taber Fire Department. The fire inspection will be looking for requirements to be met as per Fire Standata #19-FCI-006 and in the case of MCO’s that are cooking onsite or in a commercial kitchen, Fire Standata #19-FCI-002 will also apply.

As the public has an expectancy of safety, MCO’s are subject to random inspections by the fire department through out the year in addition to the annual inspection. This is due to the fact the MCO’s are portable and driving around and travelling to other communities and then returning to Taber, each time and location is variable and may require several inspections.

Besides Fire inspections, there are a number of other approvals you are likely to require:

Health Inspection – anyone handling or preparing food requires approval from Alberta Health Services. Contact Environmental Public Health at 403-223-7230 to discuss what is required for your business and to arrange a Health Inspection.

Business License -  All businesses operating within the Town of Taber limits require a Town of Taber Business License. Contact the Planning and Economic Development Department to discuss what options are available to you.

Development Permit – When a food truck will be stored at your residence within the Town of Taber a Home Occupation development permit is required. Parking of any oversize business vehicles requires a Class 2 Home Occupation permit. Once an application is made for a Class 2 Home Occupation, it is taken to the Municipal Planning Commission for a decision. If approved, the permit will be circulated to neighboring properties, who are given the opportunity to appeal the decision. This process, although straightforward, does take time as the MPC meets once a month. It is suggested that you apply as soon as possible to get approvals in place prior to bringing the food truck to your residence. Pictures of the outside of the food truck/trailer/cart are required to be submitted with your application. For more information contact the Planning and Economic Development Department.

The fire code and Standatas mentioned apply to the entire Province of Alberta, however each fire department acts as the Authority having Jurisdiction within their respective boundaries. This can lead to slightly differing requirements; please contact your local fire department for assistance to help understand the requirements.

Some areas of note for the Taber Fire Department are involving generators, spatial requirements and exhaust hood cleaning:

1. A generator may be either bumper mounted at least 3m (9.84 feet) from an air intake of the MCO AND be a minimum of 3m (9.84 feet) from any other food truck, building or combustible AND must not pose a risk to public.
2. Any MCO must be a minimum 3m (9.84 feet) from a building, other food trucks or any combustible materials.

ALL kitchen exhaust systems to be cleaned by a certified person at a minimum of once per season (unless otherwise indicated by technician). A list of certified persons can be obtained from the Taber Fire Department by request. This list contains contractors that have submitted their current and valid certifications for services (i.e. hood cleaning, fire suppression system and portable fire extinguisher inspections).

• Commercial and Industrial districts (including private land, if invited by land owner)
• Town-owned lands & parks* 
  • Please contact the Planning & Economic Development Office BEFORE parking at the Trout Pond
• Residential District: only if invited for a private event, the event is not advertised, and a max of 45 minutes parked at location

Food Trucks can be parked in any one location for a maximum of 24 hours in a 48 hour period.

Each location must be 100 metres away from the previous location.

Please note that all Food Trucks must be 10 feet (3 metres) from any other food truck, building, awning or generator.

For detailed locations on where food trucks are allowed to operate in Taber, please contact the Planning and Economic Development Department at 403-223-6009 or email us and we will be happy to help you.

We have numerous events throughout the year we are happy to welcome food trucks at! Contact our Recreation Department at 403-223-5500 ext 5562 or by email to find out what events we have planned and for application details.

For Cornfest, please contact the Taber & District Chamber of Commerce.