In a significant move for food truck operators in Denver, a new law has been enacted that aims to alleviate some of the regulatory burdens that have long frustrated local businesses.
The bill, officially known as House Bill 1295, was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis and mandates that the city of Denver accept a standard statewide health license for food trucks, aligning it with the rest of Colorado’s municipalities.
Traditionally, food truck operators in Denver have had to obtain a special food-safety license, a requirement that has been viewed as cumbersome and limiting.
Maximo Valdez, owner of Maxim Custom Food Trailers in Denver, articulated the positive impact of the new law during a committee hearing, stating, “I believe this bill eliminates red tape and allows competition.
It opens doors for aspiring entrepreneurs, and it also grows the economy, because they’re able to work in the whole state, they’re able to pay their sales tax in every county.”
House Bill 1295 establishes reciprocity between the Denver license and the statewide license, meaning that food truck operators can now use their state license in Denver without facing additional licensing hurdles.
However, they will still need to apply to operate under one license in another jurisdiction.
Beyond easing licensing requirements, the new law aims to provide solutions for food truck operators facing varying fire safety regulations across local jurisdictions.
Currently, food trucks must navigate a patchwork of fire regulations that can change frequently, complicating their ability to operate smoothly.
David Sevcik, who manages 10 local food trucks, highlighted the challenges associated with these diverse regulations, noting, “Not only now do we have to know whether West Metro ends at Lakewood? Does it end at Golden, does it end at Littleton?
But we also have to be on top of if those fire departments have any turnover.”
Sevcik recounted an incident where a sudden change in rules from a new fire chief forced him to withdraw from a scheduled event.
In a move to tackle these regulatory challenges, the new law will allow food truck operators to transfer fire safety permits from one jurisdiction to another, provided that the original issuer meets specific standards.
Operators will need to notify the new jurisdiction by sending a copy of the permit at least 14 days in advance, simplifying the process significantly.
Despite the benefits, the bill did face opposition during its early stages from the city of Denver and other local governments.
Initially, the proposal sought to override local authorities on several operational limitations, creating concern among city officials about potential economic repercussions.
In response to these concerns, the final version of the bill was amended to maintain local regulations regarding where and when food trucks can operate.
Erica Rogers, policy director for Denver’s Excise and Licenses Department, commented on the outcome, expressing appreciation for the sponsors’ willingness to address the city’s worries, allowing Denver to adopt a more neutral stance toward the legislation.
Local governments, including Aurora, Fort Collins, and Arvada, also opposed the initial measure, mirroring Denver’s concerns.
Looking ahead, the new law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Eric Escudero, spokesperson for the city licensing department, confirmed that the Department of Excise and Licenses is reviewing the bill’s implications in conjunction with other affected city agencies.
He emphasized that food truck operators will still be required to hold a valid Denver license until the end of the year, and further communication regarding the changes will be provided once the city’s review is complete.
image source from：https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/22/colorado-food-trucks-law/
