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Annapolis, MD Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Licensing agency
Dept. of Planning and Zoning
Application review period
45 days
License term
Up to one year
Violation fine
$200 municipal infraction
Appeal deadline
15 days to Building Board of Appeals

Summary

Peddlers, hawkers, itinerant merchants, and mobile vendors need a City-issued license before operating on public property in Annapolis; the Department of Planning and Zoning can approve, condition, or deny applications.

B. A person may not engage in the business of a peddler, hawker, itinerant merchant, or transient vendor of commodities or services on public property not mentioned in subsection (A) without first obtaining a license as provided in this chapter. C. A person may not engage in the business of a mobile vendor without first obtaining a license as provided in this chapter.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis City Code § 7.40.020 requires a license for anyone engaging in the business of a peddler, hawker, itinerant merchant, or transient vendor on public property, and separately for mobile vendors of any kind. Applicants file a sworn application with the Department of Planning and Zoning (§ 7.40.040), including identification, business description, and any criminal history, along with a nonrefundable fee. The Department must act within 45 days and may deny a license if the activity would endanger public health, safety, or welfare, or if the applicant has withheld or falsified information (§ 7.40.050). Narrow exemptions cover activities like short yard sales, wholesale deliveries, and sales at hotel conventions (§ 7.40.020(A)).

Violations & Fines

Violating this chapter is a municipal infraction carrying a fine set by City Council resolution, $200 under Annapolis's current fee schedule, and the City may also pursue judicial remedies (§ 7.40.095).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to sell on the street in Annapolis?
Yes. Under Annapolis City Code § 7.40.020, peddlers, hawkers, itinerant merchants, and mobile vendors must get a City license before operating on public property, unless a narrow exemption in § 7.40.020(A) applies.
How long does the City have to decide on my vendor license application?
The Department of Planning and Zoning must act on a completed application within 45 days, approving, approving with conditions, or denying it under § 7.40.050.
Can I appeal if my vendor license is denied?
Yes. You may appeal a denial, suspension, or revocation to the Building Board of Appeals within 15 days of the decision under § 7.40.060; the Department's decision stands unless it was arbitrary or capricious.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsVending ZonesSignificant RestrictionsFood Truck PermitsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

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