Aurora's Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles food trucks & mobile vendors a little differently. In Aurora, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Food Truck Permits

Food trucks need a Tri-County Health mobile food license, Aurora business license, and sales tax account; operation on private property requires owner permission.

Key details: Health License: Tri-County required. Business License: ~60 annual. Sales Tax: Account required. Location: Private with permission.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/business_services/tax_licensing) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Vending Zones

Mobile vending in Aurora public rights-of-way is highly restricted; most operations occur on private property with owner approval, with time limits on public streets.

Key details: Street Limit: 4 hours/24hrs commercial. Residential: Generally prohibited. Parks: Permit required. Best Practice: Private property.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/co/aurora) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Compared to other cities, Aurora takes a harder line on vending zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Aurora's food trucks & mobile vendors rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Aurora is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Aurora can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.