Gulfport, MS Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Appendix A's supplementary regulations define a mobile food vendor as someone selling prepared food from a motor vehicle equipped for that purpose, and it names both conventional and SmartCode zones in the same sentence: sales are allowed by right in the B-1, B-2, I-1, I-2, T-5, and T-6 districts. In the lower-intensity R-1, R-2, R-B, R-O, T-3, T4L, and T4+ zones, mobile food sales are allowed only at construction sites, and only for as long as the construction project runs. Vendors are expected to leave the site once all patrons have been served, and parking a truck for an extended period is strictly prohibited by default.

The one exception is a temporary Certificate of Zoning Compliance from the Urban Development office tied to a commercial special event; civic activities don't qualify for this exception. To get it, the truck must sit on the same building site as the special event, extended parking is capped at three consecutive days and no more than nine days total in a calendar year, a detailed site plan must be submitted, the vehicle cannot block traffic aisles or eat into required parking, and all other city permits or licenses must still be obtained.

Separately, Gulfport's peddler ordinance bars anyone, including a food vendor, from operating in a congested area or on a public street or sidewalk where the activity impedes or inconveniences the public.