Kingsport, TN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Section 70-25 of the Kingsport Code is the permit gate for street vending in the City of Kingsport, Tennessee. Under subsection (a), no person can vend under Article II without first obtaining, and having in their possession, a vendor permit issued by the city manager or designee, together with proof of insurance coverage satisfactory to the city. Section 70-21 defines vending broadly, reaching sales from a stand, pushcart, motor vehicle or a person with or without any other device.

Subsection (b) lists what the application must contain: the applicant's full name, home and business address and proof of identity, plus the name and address of the owner if different; a description of the food, beverage or goods; the proposed location; a description and photograph of any stand or device; three prints of a full-face photograph, taken not more than 30 days before the application, of any person who will sell; proof of compliance with state requirements for licensing food vending carts, the required health permits and certifications; and proof of insurance. The policy must come from an insurer licensed to do business in Tennessee, protect the vendor and the city against property damage and bodily injury claims, name the city as an additional insured, promise 30 days advance written notice to the city before cancellation, and be in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00. A certificate of insurance goes in with the application.

Subsection (c) sets the clock: not later than 30 days after a completed application is filed, the city manager or designee notifies the applicant whether the permit is issued or denied. Subsection (d) makes the permit valid for one year from the date of issuance. Section 70-26 lists grounds for denial, suspension or revocation, including fraud, public nuisance conduct and abandoning the location by failing to operate during at least one-half of the normal business days available. Section 70-27 allows an appeal by common law petition for certiorari in circuit or chancery court within 60 days after the final decision.