Boise, ID Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Max cart size
- 5' wide x 9' long x 7' high
- Generators
- propane only, gasoline banned
- Fire extinguisher
- 5 lb Class K required for cooking
- Governing code
- Boise City Code § 3-2-13
Summary
Boise caps street vending carts at 5 feet wide, 9 feet long, and 7 feet high, and requires functional brakes, propane-only generators, and inspection before carts operate on public sidewalks.
A mobile vending cart frame must not exceed five feet (5') wide by nine feet (9') long by seven feet (7') high, and must be able to be pushed by one person. The mobile vending cart must have a minimum of two
(2) functional, rubber tired wheels. The braking mechanism on the mobile vending cart shall be affixed in such a manner that it is not readily removable in order to secure the cart when parked on the sidewalk. The use of ropes and shocks as the sole braking mechanism is prohibited.
C. Generators: Generators on mobile vending carts, trailers and vehicles powered by gasoline are prohibited. Only generators powered by propane are acceptable. No mobile vending cart shall carry more than two (2) 5-gallon containers of propane on a public right-of-way. Generators shall not be placed on the ground.
D. BBQ Grills: Mobile vending carts, trailers and vehicles must have the BBQ grill enclosed and permanently built into the structure of the vendor cart, trailer or vehicle.
E. Fire Extinguisher: A five (5) pound, "K" class, handheld fire extinguisher is required if a heating or cooking appliance is used.
F. Inspections: With the exception of merchandise or food items to be sold, mobile vending carts, trailers and vehicles presented for inspection shall be exactly as they will appear when operating on a public right-of-way, including any food rack.
G. Support Equipment And Accessories: Support equipment and accessories,
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code § 3-2-13 sets exact size and safety standards for mobile vending carts, trailers and vehicles used for street food and merchandise sales. Carts are capped at 5' wide by 9' long by 7' high, pushable by one person on two rubber-tired wheels with a brake that can't be removed: ropes or shocks alone don't count. Only propane generators are allowed, BBQ grills must be built into the cart, and a 5-pound Class K fire extinguisher is required for cooking. Carts must present for inspection exactly as they'll appear on the street and stay clean at all times.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unpermitted or oversized cart, using rope/shock brakes only, a gasoline generator, or an unenclosed BBQ grill violates BCC § 3-2-13 and can mean citation, license suspension, or removal from the right-of-way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a Boise street vending cart be?
Can a Boise food cart use a gas generator?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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