Fort Wayne, IN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $250
- Permit term
- Up to 120 days
- Apply ahead
- 5 business days before start
- Issuing office
- Chief of Police
- Fingerprints
- Required within 60 days
Summary
Anyone selling goods from a cart, table, or mobile stand in Fort Wayne without a fixed store must obtain a Transient Merchant Permit from the Chief of Police before starting business, under City Code § 117.02.
It shall be unlawful for any transient merchant to do or transact any business in the sale of goods, wares or merchandise of any and every kind, make and description, without first obtaining a permit therefor as herein provided. It shall further be unlawful for the owner and/or occupant of any real estate, permanent or mobile building, structure, or other place, to knowingly permit the use of real estate, permanent or mobile building, structure, or other place, by a transient merchant who does not have a permit as provided herein. In the case of a flea market or exhibition, only one permit need be obtained for the flea market or exhibition, and not for each transient merchant therein. In the case of a festival, only one permit need be obtained for the festival, and each transient merchant at said festival shall not be required to obtain a separate transient merchant permit if said transient merchant is officially licensed by the festival or otherwise recognized as an official vendor of the festival, and displays in a prominent area, a logo or other written proof that it has such official designation. Any transient merchant not thus officially designated as an official festival licensee or vendor shall be required to obtain a permit pursuant to the terms of this chapter. (Ord. G-4-15, passed 4-14-15) Penalty, see § 117.99
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Vendors selling from carts, tables, or mobile stands file an application with the Chief of Police at least five business days before starting, listing the goods sold, a valid photo ID, fingerprints taken within the prior 60 days, and any conviction record. The Chief of Police investigates the applicant's business reputation, moral character, and criminal background before issuing the permit. The permit costs $250, covers one location only, runs up to 120 days, cannot be transferred, and must be displayed at the vending site. Fort Wayne can deny, revoke, or suspend a permit for chapter violations, fraud in the application, or an unsatisfactory background check.
Violations & Fines
Operating as an unpermitted transient merchant, or knowingly letting one use your property, violates Chapter 117. The general penalty is a $2,500 fine, with each day of violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a vending cart in Fort Wayne?
How much does the Fort Wayne vending permit cost?
Can Fort Wayne deny my vending permit application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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