Revised 08/2014

District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department

Fire Prevention Division
th
1100 4 Street Southwest, Suite: E-700
Washington DC 20024-4451
Office: 202 727-1600 / Fax: 202 727-3238

GUIDELINES FOR MOBILE VENDING VEHICLES

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOODS: A Type 1 hood shall be installed at or above all cooking
appliances producing grease vapors (International Fire Code 2012, Section 609.2).
HOOD SUPPRESSION SYSTEM: The site plans for a hood suppression system, when required,
(DCMR Title 24, Chapter 5, Section 513.9{a}) shall be submitted to Fire Prevention Division to be
reviewed (DCMR Title 24, Chapter 5, 513.9{b}) for approval.
PROPANE (LP-Gas): All LP-Gas use requires a propane operational permit issued by the DC Fire
and EMS Department (DCMR Title 12, Chapter 12H, Section: F-105.6.27). The operational
permit shall be posted and is valid for no more than one (1) year from the date of issue. There
is a sixty (60) pound limit in the amount of LP-Gas permitted on the mobile vending vehicle
(DCMR title 24, Chapter 5, Section 513.9{h}). Propane compartments shall be secured and
placarded (DCMR title 24, Chapter 5, Section 513.9{e}) and NO SMOKING sign shall be posted
on the mobile vending vehicle (DCMR 24, Chapter 5, Section 513.9 {f}).
PROPANE TANKS SHALL NOT BE CHANGED DURING THE TIME THAT THE MOBILE VENDING
VEHICLE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
FIRE EXTINGUISHER: A minimum of one (1) 2A-10BC rated fire extinguisher shall be in the
cooking area of the mobile vending vehicle (DCMR title 24, Chapter 5, Section 513.9{c}). The
fire extinguisher shall be inspected, tested and maintained annually (International Fire Code 2012, Section 901.6.1 and National Fire Protection Association Standard 10).
FIRE HYDRANTS: No mobile vending vehicles shall block access to fire hydrants or park within
ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant (DCMR Title 18, Chapter 24, Section 2405.2 {b}).
GENERATORS: The responsibility for the inspections and permitting is under the jurisdiction of
the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
FUELING REFULING OF GENERATORS IS NOT PERMITTED DURING THE TIME THAT THE MOBILE
VENDING VEHICLE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
INSPECTIONS: All mobile vending vehicles shall have a fire inspection prior to initial operations
and upon yearly renewal of the propane operational permit (DCMR Title 24, Chapter 5, Section
513.9{g}).
(More information on Reverse side)

Revised 08/2014

IFC 2012 6109.13 Protection of containers- LP-gas containers shall be stored within a suitable enclosure or
otherwise protected against tampering. Vehicular protection shall be provided as required by the fire code official.

NFPA 58: liquefied Petroleum Gas Code 2011

7.2.4 Hose Inspection.
7.2.4.1 Hose assemblies shall be observed for leakage or for damage that could impair their integrity before each
use.
7.2.4.2 The hose assemblies shall be inspected periodically.
7.2.4.3 Inspection of pressurized hose assemblies shall include inspection for the following:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

Damage to outer cover that exposes reinforcement

Kinked or flattened hose
Soft spots or bulges in hose
Couplings that have slipped on the hose, are damaged, have missing parts, or have loose bolts
Leakage other than permeability leakage

7.2.4.4 Hose assemblies shall be replaced, repaired, or continued in service based on the results of the inspection.
7.2.4.5 Leaking or damaged hose shall be immediately repaired or removed from service.

For more information on Propane (LP Gas) please contact the District of Columbia Fire & EMS Department Office
of Fire Prevention:

1100 4th Street Southwest, Suite: E-700

Washington DC 20024-4451
Office: 202 727-1600 / Fax: 202 727-3238