Columbia, SC Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Section 11-254 of the Columbia Code makes it unlawful to sell or offer for sale food, beverages or merchandise on any street or sidewalk from a cart without first obtaining both a franchise and a business license. A nonexclusive franchise for not more than one year can be granted only for locations city council has specified by resolution within a vending district, and only after notice of the franchise opportunity is posted at the proposed location, visible from every public thoroughfare within 100 feet, for at least 15 days before the public hearing on it.

00 per location, paid in advance, on top of the separate business license required at the applicable Article II rate for each franchisee. A franchise cannot be transferred in any manner; selling a majority of stock in a corporate franchisee, or a majority partnership interest, as listed on the original franchise application counts as a prohibited transfer. Section 11-255 requires the franchise application to the business license division to include the applicant's and cart owner's names and addresses, the food or merchandise to be sold, the proposed cart location, a description or photo of the cart, off-street storage details, transport routes, and ownership percentages for corporate or partnership applicants.

Section 11-256 has city council issue the franchise by ordinance, subject to modification at any time for the public interest, and the city manager can temporarily suspend or relocate vending for construction or safety reasons. Section 11-257 requires proof of health and fire-code compliance filed with the city clerk before any sales, plus general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate, naming the franchisee and requiring 30 days' notice to the city before cancellation.