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

Every city handles food trucks & mobile vendors a little differently. In Lakewood, 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.

Vending Zones

Lakewood requires a revocable permit before anyone can sell goods or services from the public right-of-way, and the Finance Director/City Treasurer approves or denies the specific vending location using sidewalk width, traffic and safety criteria.

Key details: Initial permit fee: $100, nonrefundable. Sales tax deposit: $50. Permit term: 1 year, renewable 3x. Location decided by: Finance Director/City Treasurer. Locations per permit: One only.

Vending from the right-of-way without an approved permit, or outside your permitted location, is a general ordinance violation punishable by up to a $2,650 fine, 365 days in jail, or both.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lakewood actively enforces its vending zones requirements.

Sidewalk & Mobile Vending

Lakewood requires anyone selling merchandise or services from the public right-of-way to hold a revocable permit and follow strict placement rules under Municipal Code Section 12.17.080: no carts or display tables in the right-of-way, a four-foot clear path for ADA access, no blocking street signs, no selling to cars in traffic lanes, and no selling from a median.

Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code § 12.17.080(A)-(F). Permit required: yes, revocable, via Section 12.17.020. Permit fee: $100 non-refundable + $50 sales tax deposit. ADA clearance: 4-foot minimum unobstructed path. Liability insurance: $150,000/$600,000 minimum.

The Finance Director/City Treasurer can revoke a permit for cause, including trespass, unpaid sales taxes, abandoning the location, disorderly conduct, or violating any requirement of Chapter 12.17, and the city need not renew a permit at all under Section 12.17.120(A). A vendor can appeal a revocation or denial by filing with the Finance Director/City Treasurer within ten business days of the mailed notice; the hearing officer's written decision is final. The general municipal penalty in Section 1.16.020 also applies, up to a $2,650 fine, 365 days in jail, or both.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lakewood actively enforces its sidewalk & mobile vending requirements.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to food trucks & mobile vendors. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lakewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Lakewood 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.