Beloit, WI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

City Code § 14.04(2)(e) defines an "outdoor location" to include a vehicle, tent or other moveable structure, so a food truck or cart counts. Section 14.04(3)(b) requires an outdoor vendor's permit before vending anywhere in the City of Beloit, separate from a door-to-door sales permit; if the product itself needs another City license (like fireworks), the vendor pays whichever fee is higher rather than stacking both. Vendors at a fixed site must show the street address and tax parcel number on the permit and have the landowner's written authorization on file with the City Clerk.

The City Clerk verifies the site is zoned for outdoor vending before issuing or renewing the permit, and the Chief of Police runs the same criminal background check required for door-to-door sellers under § 14.014. Vendors at the Downtown Beloit Association's Farmers Market are exempt from the permit as long as the Association holds a street closure permit under § 18.01(4), and vendors at events listed in § 18.02(15) are exempt if the event sponsor holds the permit. Outdoor vending is also barred in City parks except where §§ 15.06 and 18.02(15) allow it.