Mobile food vendors
Mobile Food Vendor Fire Safety
Annual inspections, proper equipment, and safe operating practices are required for all mobile food vendors operating in Kelowna.
Complete an inspection
All mobile food vendors must complete an annual fire‑safety approval. Vendors may qualify for an online self‑assessment or may require a physical inspection. A valid operating decal is issued once approval is granted.
Book an Inspection
Inspections are by appointment between 8:00 AM-3:30 PM at Fire Station 1. Book an appointment by calling 250‑469‑8801.
Declare by Email
Vendors who have previously completed an inspection may submit a Self‑Assessment Form to declare they meet all the requirements.
Special Event Inspection
For events approved by the Outdoor Events Committee, inspections must occur at least 3 hours before operation. Call 250‑469‑8801 to book.
Note: Mobile Vendors without a City of Kelowna Business License are subject to a $105 inspection fee, and must make an appointment for a inspection at Fire Station 1, 2255 Enterprise Way, Kelowna.
Check fire safety requirements
All mobile food vendors must comply with Fire and Life Safety Bylaw 10760.
Note: approval within one municipal jurisdiction doesn't constitute approval within another municipality.
Technical Safety BC Approval
- All mobile units must be approved by Technical Safety BC.
- Technical Safety BC decals must be visible.
Deep Fryers & Appliances
- Only commercial‑grade deep fryers are permitted. Residential deep fryers are not accepted.
- A minimum 1‑metre‑high barrier must separate the public from cooking appliances (not required if appliances are fully enclosed).
- Wood‑burning appliances are prohibited within Kelowna.
Propane Cylinders
- Maintain 3 metres of separation between propane relief valves and adjacent vendors or ignition sources.
- Store spare propane bottles (full or empty) 3 metres away from cooking appliances or open flames.
- Soap‑test all propane connections each time the unit is moved.
- Maintain a propane leak‑test logbook.
Fire Extinguishers
- 2A10BC fire extinguisher (minimum rating), mounted and accessible.
- Type K extinguisher for deep frying or hot‑oil cooking.
- All extinguishers must be:
- Inspected annually by an approved agency.
- Pressurized with safety pins secured.
- Tagged with ASTTBC‑stamped service tags.
Tent Safety
- No cooking or grilling is permitted under tents, unless:
- The tent meets NFPA 705 flame‑resistance standards.
- The tent has a visible NFPA 705 compliance tag.
- Non‑rated tents require a 1‑metre horizontal separation from cooking appliances.
Kitchen Canopy & Suppression
- Required for enclosed cooking that produces grease‑laden vapours:
- Kitchen canopy and automatic suppression system must meet NFPA 96.
- Suppression systems must be serviced bi‑annually by an approved technician.
- Service tags must include an ASTTBC stamp.
- Canopy must be cleaned from filter to fan per NFPA 96.
Location & Setup
- Cooking appliances and mobile units must be at least 3 metres from any building.
- Trailer‑based vendors must use wheel chocks.
- Electrical equipment must be maintained to prevent fire hazards.
- Any modifications to previously approved cooking configurations must be re‑inspected.
Inspections
- Kelowna Fire Department may conduct random inspections at any time.
- Vendors must ensure their decal and inspection tags are current and visible.
