Adams County, CO Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Application review window
- 45 days
- Licensing officer
- Director of Planning and Development Services
- License term
- Up to 12 months
- Appeal path
- Board of Adjustment hearing
- Insurance
- Required, county as additional insured
- Max penalty
- $300 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Anyone selling food, beverages or merchandise from a stand or vehicle on an unincorporated Adams County street or sidewalk must first obtain a vendor's license from the Director of Planning and Development Services under Ordinance No. 5, submitting insurance, photos, health certification and the property owner's written consent.
It shall be unlawful to sell or offer for sale any food, beverage or merchandise on any street or adjacent sidewalk within unincorporated Adams County without first obtaining a license therefore. ... Not later than 45 days after the filing of the completed application for vendor's license the applicant shall be notified by the licensing officer of the decision on the issuance or denial of the license. The Director of Planning and Development Services is hereby designated as the licensing officer who shall consider the standards set forth in section 6.5 in determining whether to grant a license. ... The license issued pursuant to this section is valid for a period of not more than 12 months from the date of issuance.
Full Breakdown
Section 3 of Ordinance No. 5 makes it unlawful to sell food, beverages or merchandise on any unincorporated county street or adjacent sidewalk without a license. Section 4 lists what the application must include: the applicant's name and address, a description of the goods to be sold, the specific vending location with the property owner's written consent, a description and photograph of the stand or vehicle, three recent photographs of anyone who will sell at the location, a Tri-County Health Department inspection certificate for food sales, and proof of liability insurance naming the County as an additional insured that cannot be cancelled without 30 days' written notice.
5. 540 of the Adams County Zoning Regulations. An approved license is valid for no more than 12 months and, for sidewalk vending, is limited to the single location named on the license. Renewal applications must be filed at least 45 days before the current license expires, and licenses must be displayed openly during operation.
Violations & Fines
Vending without a license, or vending outside the terms of an issued license, is a violation of Ordinance No. 5 punishable by a fine of up to $300 per offense, up to 90 days in jail, or both, enforced by the Adams County Sheriff's Department. The Local Licensing Authority may also suspend or revoke a license for fraud, misrepresentation, or repeated violations after notice and a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides whether to grant a vending license in Adams County?
What has to be in my vendor license application?
How long does a vendor license last, and can I appeal a denial?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
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