State Street Night Vending
The State Street Night Vending Program provides late-night food options for students and patrons after traditional brick-and-mortar businesses have closed. Vending under this program is located on the 700 block of State Street, between the UW Bookstore and Memorial Library. Below are program details and instructions on how to apply for a license.
What licenses are required to vend in the State Street Night Vending program and what are the fees?
- Basic or Umbrella Street Vending License (Basic $250 per vendor or Umbrella $600 for 3+ vendors over the vending season)
- State Street Night Vending License ($650 annually, including site assignment)
What are the hours and location of State Street Night Vending?
- Location the 700 Block of State Street Mall (aka Library Mall)
- Vending is allowed Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
- All equipment to be removed from State Street Mall by 3:00 a.m.
- No overnight storage of equipment allowed.
What are the size requirements for mobile units?
The Maximum space allotted, including the trailer tongue/hitch will vary with the site assignment. The mobile unit must fit entirely within the area. A minimum of 20 ft. emergency access lane must be always maintained. Exact site sizes will be shared at time of review.
How to Apply
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Required Documents and Preparation
- Product Review. NEW VENDORS ONLY must schedule an information session to determine eligibility to apply for a State Street Night Vending License. To schedule a product review contact streetvending@cityofmadison.com.
- Wisconsin Seller's Permit
- General Liability Insurance
- Service Bace License (Public Health Madison-Dane County)
- Mobile Food Establishment License (Public Health Madison-Dane County)
- On a separate document include a photo of your cart/trailer, including measurements AND a link or images with product descriptions for the line management equipment.
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Apply
Fees are paid after application is reviewed and approved by staff.
Need help with your online application? Contact IT Support elamsupport@cityofmadison.com call 608-261-4293
- Click on Licenses/Registration at the top of the page
- Click on Apply for a License/Registration
- Select STREET VENDOR APPLICATION to begin the process
- When asked “What are you vending" select Food
- When asked “Where do you want to sell" select State Street Night Vending. This will open the application for both the Street Vendor and State Street Night Vending licenses.
- Fill in the required information
- Attach required documents from step 1
- Review application for accuracy
- Submit – You will receive an email notification once the application is fully submitted.
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Application Review
- Staff review application and follow-up with any questions or additional information required.
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Invoice and Payment
- Invoice is issued via email for fees due.
- Log back on to your account
- Pay fees
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License Issuance
- License issued and active as of 4/15 annually
Frequently Asked Questions
How are sites assigned to vendors?
Sites are assigned by seniority based on the first year they purchased a State Street Night Vending license. A waiting list will be established if necessary.
On occasion you may be required to relocate your vending site, or your site may be invalidated for special events or construction. When this is required, Staff will be in direct contact with you regarding a temporary site or other related information.
Is there access to electricity at the vending sites?
No. There is no access to City electricity and generators are required. Generators must operate at 60 decibels or lower. See the generator specification sheet for decibel ratings.
Are there any noise considerations or requirements when operating?
Noise levels emanating from the vending site shall be kept to a minimum, shall not be directed toward the street or sidewalk, and shall be reasonable so as not to disturb the peace and quiet of those in the vicinity, including but not limited to residents, merchants, and customers.
- No sound amplification shall be permitted at a non-cart vending stand. Vendors utilizing an enclosed vending cart may use amplification inside an enclosed vending cart only, and any music or other audio shall be kept to a volume such that it cannot be heard outside of the cart beyond the first customer in line at the window or service area.
- No audio or video equipment, such as speakers and video display monitors, shall be permitted at a non-cart vending stand, nor affixed to or used outside an enclosed cart. This provision shall apply in addition to the general restrictions regarding noise and amplification found in Chapter 24 of the Madison General Ordinances.
- Vendors shall be subject to all applicable City ordinances regarding noise and amplification, and this provision shall not be interpreted to expand or contradict those other ordinances.
Can I keep my tow vehicle and other staff vehicles near my site when operating?
No. Tow vehicles must be removed from the State Street Mall Area, including alleyways, and parked in a legal parking space, after unloaded. NO sales may take place with the tow vehicle present.
The following links are resources you can use to find real-time parking availability throughout the City of Madison.
Do I need any line management equipment?
- Line management equipment is required. Examples below should be approved by City Staff prior to being used. They will be required on the first day of vending.
- Vendors are responsible for maintaining the line and ensure the emergency access lane is clear.
Line Management Requirements
- Minimum of 5 stable crowd control barrier poles, able to withstand wind and crowds with retractable belts.
- The retractable belts must be able to extend a minimum of an 8' span to help effectively control crowds and manage lines related to each food cart.
- The 8' lines must run horizontally from the food cart as shown.