Billings, MT Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, per vending location
- Insurance minimum
- $500,000 combined single limit
- Permit term
- 6 months
- Application decision window
- 15 days
- Sign size limit
- 9 sq ft, non-illuminated
Summary
Billings requires a city-issued permit for every sidewalk vending location, plus $500,000 liability insurance and abutting-property owner sign-off.
It is unlawful for any person or business to sell, or offer for sale, any food, beverages, flowers or merchandise on any sidewalk within the city without first obtaining a permit for each vending location. Permits shall be issued only after approval of a vendor's application by the city administrator and after payment of a permit fee. The fee shall be sufficient to cover all direct and indirect costs and expenses of the city and shall be established from time to time by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. No. 84-4576, § 3, 3-19-84)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Selling food, beverages, flowers, or merchandise on a Billings sidewalk without a permit is unlawful under Sec. 7-1211. The city administrator issues permits after reviewing a detailed application (Sec. 7-1212) covering the applicant's identity, goods sold, a to-scale site sketch, a description of the vending stand, written no-objection permission from the abutting property owner or manager, and proof of $500,000 combined-single-limit liability insurance naming the city as additional insured. The administrator has 15 days to approve or deny, weighing fire, traffic, vision, and pedestrian-safety hazards. An approved permit is valid 6 months and locks the vendor to the specific approved location.
Violations & Fines
Municipal infraction with civil penalties per Sec. 18-1304; the city administrator can also deny, suspend, or revoke a permit for fraud, misrepresentation, public nuisance, or safety violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need abutting property owner permission?
Are nonprofits exempt from the permit fee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana food trucks & mobile vendors overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.