Vending Zones: Boulder vs Longmont
How do vending zones rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder and Longmont have similar restriction levels.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder designates approved vending zones for food trucks. Distance requirements from brick-and-mortar restaurants and schools typically apply.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
Per LMC § 15.04.050(D)(4), Longmont food trucks may operate only in non-residential zoning districts (ice cream vendors are allowed in residential zones), must remain at least 250 feet from any brick-and-mortar restaurant, and may not operate in city parks while park concessionaires are operating. Operating outside these zones violates the city's Land Development Code.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Distance | 50 to 200 feet typical | - |
| Time Limit | 2 to 4 hours per spot | - |
| Private Property | Owner permission needed | - |
| Topic | Vending Zones | - |
| Code Section | - | LMC § 15.04.050(D)(4) |
| Permitted Zones | - | Non-residential zoning districts |
| Ice Cream Exception | - | Allowed in residential zones |
| Distance from Restaurants | - | Minimum 250 feet from brick-and-mortar |
| City Parks | - | Prohibited during concessionaire operations |
| Civil Penalty | - | $100 / $200 / $500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
Where can food trucks park?
Only in designated vending zones or with private property owner permission. Check Boulder zoning map for approved locations.
How close to restaurants can trucks park?
Most cities require 50 to 200 feet distance from brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Longmont FAQ
Where can a food truck legally park to sell food in Longmont?
Only in non-residential zoning districts (commercial, industrial, mixed-use) on private property with the owner's permission, and at least 250 feet from any brick-and-mortar restaurant. Ice cream vendors are the only category allowed to operate in residential zones. City parks are off-limits when park concessionaires are operating.
How close can a food truck park to a restaurant in Longmont?
No closer than 250 feet from any brick-and-mortar restaurant, under LMC § 15.04.050(D)(4). This buffer protects established restaurants and is enforced as a Mobile Retail Food Vending Permit condition; violations trigger civil penalties starting at $100 and may jeopardize permit renewal.
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