Temporary Event and Seasonal Food Permits

Temporary Event and Seasonal Food Permits

A Food Permit is required by any establishment or vendor that provides food at public events. A Temporary Food Permit must be obtained for an establishment that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration at a fixed location. A Seasonal Food Permit must be obtained for an establishment that operates for no more than six (6) months out of the calendar year. Seasonal Food Permit submissions must include a fixed menu and a setup that applies to each date of the seasonal event. Vendors must contact Evanston Health and Human Services Department before considering a change of menu and/or set-up for review.

All submissions:  We request that applications are submitted at least ten (10) business days prior to the event. If an application is received 48 hours (2 business days) prior to the event, a $30 late fee will be issued. Submissions received within 24 hours of an event may not be approved for attendance.

Event Organizers:  Event Organizers are responsible for providing a contact list of all participating vendors to the License Coordinator at a minimum of 10 business days prior to the event date.

We strongly encourage organizers to attend the monthly Event Organizers’ Meeting a month prior to the event date. Monthly Meetings will take place virtually at 11am on the 3^rd Wednesday of every month from March to October. Please contact the License Coordinator to sign up for the meetings.

Vendor Requirements for Seasonal and Temporary Food Permits

**Permits are not renewable or transferable**

 Temporary Food Event Vendor Set Up Checklist and Sample Booth Diagram

• Food vendors must obtain approval from the event sponsor/organizer prior to applying for a Temporary or Seasonal Food Permit
• Ice may not be used to hold Time-Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods
• Food and equipment cannot be stored in a private residence or unlicensed facility prior to the event
• Food intended for sale at events must be stored in a licensed facility or purchased from a licensed facility the day of and taken directly to the event
• Food may not be re-served
• A tent or overhead protection is required over food service areas and sneeze guards must be provided to cover open food on display
• A handwashing station including a container with a spigot, a waste water container, soap and paper towels must be provided
• Electric or propane-fired equipment is required for holding TCS foods at 135°F or above
• All water must be obtained from a potable water supply
• Food vendors that operate in a commercial kitchen located outside of Evanston must provide a copy of their most recent inspection report from their local health authority 
• Food Trucks are required to provide a copy of their current Food Establishment’s License

Temporary Event Food Permit

A Temporary Food Permit is issued to a vendor for a period of time of no more than fourteen (14)
consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration at a fixed location.

Fee: $111 for Non-Evanston Vendors; Waived for Evanston Establishments

Apply Online:  Temporary Event Food Permit Application

Seasonal Food Permit

A Seasonal Food Permit is issued to vendors interested in participating in a food event that
operates for no more than six (6) months out of the calendar year. Seasonal Food Permit submissions must include a fixed menu and a setup that applies to each date of the seasonal event. 

Fee: $274 for All Food Establishments

Apply Online:  Seasonal Food Permit Application

Additional Resources and Information

• Food Safety Tips for Public Events

• Public Events vs Private Events - When and Why is a Permit Required

• Potluck Events - Definition and Permit Requirement

• Evanston City Code