Sidewalk vending in Indianapolis is governed by Code of Ordinances Chapter 961 (Sidewalk Carts and Cafes), administered by the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS). Vendors may only operate from public sidewalks in BNS-designated cart vendor zones and must hold an annual Vendor Cart License. Chapter 961 recognizes four cart classes — food carts, frozen food carts, flower carts, and merchandise carts. Food cart operators must also obtain a Retail Food Establishment permit from the Marion County Public Health Department.
BNS issues Vendor Cart Licenses through the Accela Citizen Access Portal and renews them annually in January; renewal applications are typically due 30–60 days before expiration. Operators must remain inside their assigned cart vendor zone for the license year and may not vend on private property or outside designated zones without separate approval. Food cart and frozen food cart operators must additionally permit through the Marion County Public Health Department (Food & Consumer Safety, 4701 N. Keystone Ave., 317-221-2222) under Indiana's Retail Food Code (410 IAC 7-26), and report to a permitted Central Preparation Facility daily for supplies and servicing. Mobile food units operating on private commercial property follow the same Marion County Health permitting track. Indianapolis Code Chapter 621 (Article I, § 621-127) separately addresses vending on public property such as parks and streets.
Vending without a current BNS Vendor Cart License, vending outside the assigned cart zone, or operating a food cart without a Marion County Retail Food Establishment permit subjects the operator to citation, cart impoundment, and license revocation. Marion County Health Department may suspend or revoke food permits for failed inspections under 410 IAC 7-26.
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