Food carts and crowds on State Street Mall.
Economic Development

Basic Street Vending License

A Basic Street Vending License is required for anyone selling goods on City of Madison property.

Depending on what is being sold and where it is being sold, a vendor may need additional licenses.

Vendors who hold only a Basic Street Vending License 

  • 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. 

Madison General Ordinance 9.13

For further information, contact the Street Vending Program Supervisor at 608-261-9171. If interested, please call ahead to make an appointment.

How to Apply 

  1. Required Documents and Preparation

    You must obtain the following before you can apply for a Street Vending License:

  2. Apply

    Apply Online

    • 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.

  3. Wait for Processing

    Street Vending License are processed by City staff and may take several days to fully process.  

    During processing City staff may reach out with questions or issues.

  4. Invoice and Fees

    Once the license is processed, an email will be sent with a fees invoice and license information.

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