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Street Vending (Basic) License
These vendors must stay outside the perimeter of the Mall / Concourse. They must also stay at least six feet away from the building or property line and at least two feet away from the curb. Any tents or umbrellas must stay within the limits of these dimensions. Always stay at least ten feet away from a crosswalk or curb cut. The procedures are included in more detail in Ordinance 9.13, License for Selling on Public Streets. For further information, contact the Street Vending Coordinator at 608-261-9171 . If interested, please call ahead to make an appointment.
How to Apply for a Street Vendor License
Applications submitted online. If you need assistance please contact streetvending@cityofmadison.com.
You must obtain the following before you can apply for a Street Vending License:
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Business Tax Registration:
Applying for a Street Vendor License Online
- The application for this license can be completed on the City of Madison Licenses & Permits portal.
- If you do not have one already, you must create an account on the Licenses & Permits portal to fill out the application. HINT: once you have submitted your registration you will be sent a confirmation email. Check your junk mail if you do not see it in your inbox. You must click on the link provided in the email to activate your account before you can sign in.
- Once you login to your account go to the Licenses/Registrations section, select Apply for a License/Registration and then choose Street Vending.
Applying for a Street Vendor License By Mail
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Complete the City of Madison Street Vendor License.
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Submit an insurance certificate (General liability insurance at a minimum of one million dollars, naming City of Madison as Additional Insured). Go to Insurance Requirements.
Additional Licenses for Non-Mall / Concourse Food Vendors
All Non-Mall / Concourse Food Vendors must also have the Following Licenses:
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Application for Temporary Food Establishment Permit (Fill-In and Print)
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Licensing Application & Fee Schedule for Food & Drink License (Public Health Madison & Dane County)
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If you'll be using public electricity, please complete the Application for Electrical Use.
Last Updated: 08/27/2021
Contact Meghan Blake-Horst, Street Vending Coordinator
- PH: 608-261-9171
- FAX: 608-261-6126
- EMAIL: streetvending@cityofmadison.com
- MAIL ADDRESS:
Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development
Economic Development Division
Office of Business Resources
P.O. Box 2983
Madison WI 53701-2983 - PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, 3rd Floor
Madison WI 53703
Full Service Food Trucks at Special Events
Full service food trucks may operate in Madison only at special events and/or if licensed to vend in City of Madison parks. The maximum size for a Mall / Concourse food cart is 56 square feet. Elsewhere in Madison, the maximum size for a food cart is 10 feet by 12 feet.
Bike Path Vending Prohibited
It is illegal to vend on any Madison bike path, bike way or recreational trail.
Recycling Awareness
Food vendors are encouraged to use recyclable and biodegradable utensils, containers and napkins.