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Lexington, KY Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License: Code § 13-13, via division of revenue
Bond: $500 indemnity or cash bond, one year
Badge: Worn in plain view at all times
Hours: Peddling 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; door-to-door 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Penalty: Up to $500 fine and/or 12 months jail
Transferability: License is non-transferable

Summary

Every peddler operating within Lexington-Fayette must secure a license from the division of revenue under Code § 15-7 before doing business. Applicants must post a $500 indemnity or cash bond good for one year, and the division issues a badge that must be worn in plain view at all times. Peddling without it risks steep penalties.

Effective May 19, 1983, all peddlers shall be required to secure the license established in section 13-13 by making application for the same to the division of revenue. Further, before the division of revenue shall issue a peddler license, the peddler must file or have on file with the commissioner of finance an approved indemnity bond in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00) issued by a surety company authorized to transact business within the commonwealth, or post a cash bond in that amount. The term of the bond shall be for one (1) year or until an approved occupational license tax return is filed with the division of revenue, whichever is later. A peddler shall forfeit his bond to the urban county government if he fails to comply with chapter 13 or 15 of the Code of Ordinances. Only one (1) bond shall be required for each peddler per year. Upon approval of an application for a peddler license and payment of the applicable fee, the division of revenue shall issue a badge or other certificate of licensure specifying the name of the licensee, which shall be worn in plain view at all times by the licensee.

Source: LFUCG Code of Ordinances Chapter 15 - Peddlers and SolicitorsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Republication | Zoning Ordinance: Republication).

Full Breakdown

Lexington-Fayette Code § 15-7 has required every peddler to secure the license established in section 13-13 since May 19, 1983, by applying to the division of revenue. 00 from a state-authorized surety, or post a cash bond in the same amount; the bond runs for one year or until an approved occupational license tax return is filed, whichever is later, and only one bond is required per peddler per year. A peddler forfeits that bond to the urban county government for any violation of chapter 13 or 15.

Once the fee is paid and the application approved, the division of revenue issues a badge or certificate of licensure bearing the licensee's name; it must be worn in plain view at all times while peddling, and the license cannot be transferred or sold to an unlicensed person. m. 00 and/or up to twelve months' imprisonment, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Violations & Fines

Peddling in Lexington-Fayette without the § 13-13 license, or without the required $500 bond on file, is a citable offense under § 15-9: a fine up to $500 and/or up to 12 months in jail, with each day counted separately. Defacing, altering or lending a peddler's badge to an unlicensed seller carries the same exposure, and violating bond conditions forfeits the full $500 to the urban county government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to sell as a peddler in Lexington?

Yes. Code § 15-7 has required every peddler to obtain the license set up in section 13-13 from the division of revenue since May 19, 1983. You also need a $500 indemnity or cash bond on file before the license is issued, and the division gives you a badge you must wear in plain view any time you're selling.

How much does the peddler bond cost and how long does it last?

The bond must be $500.00, either an indemnity bond from an authorized surety or a cash bond, and it runs for one year or until you file an approved occupational license tax return, whichever comes later. Only one bond is required per peddler per year, no matter how many locations you work.

What happens if I peddle without a license or badge?

Section 15-9 makes it an offense to violate sections 15-7 or 15-8, or to deface or alter a badge or certificate of licensure. The fine runs up to $500.00 and imprisonment up to twelve months is possible, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.

What hours can a licensed peddler operate?

Under § 15-12, general peddling hours are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., extendable if a permanent business on the same property stays open later. Door-to-door sales are more restricted, limited to 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., regardless of the general hours allowed for other peddling activity.

Sources & Official References

[1]Lexington-Fayette Code of Ordinances § 15-7 - Peddlers license required

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