Madison, WI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MGO § 9.13(1)
- Basic Annual license fee
- $250/year
- Basic Monthly license fee
- $150/30 days
- Umbrella (Mall/Citywide Food)
- $600/year
- Annual license term
- April 15–April 14
- First-offense penalty
- $200 forfeiture
Summary
Madison requires a street vending license before anyone sells or offers goods, food, or services on a public highway, street, alley, sidewalk, or square. MGO § 9.13(1) reaches setting up a cart, truck or stand, preparing food for sale, or even soliciting customers, and a Basic Street Vending Annual license runs $250 a year.
(1)It shall be unlawful for any person upon any highway, street, alley, sidewalk, or public square, to vend, sell or offer for sale or procure the sale of any services, goods, wares, tokens, or foodstuffs, or any other article of any kind; by preparing or setting up a booth, vending cart, truck, stand, vehicle or equipment of any kind from which the vending activity directly occurs; preparing food, beverage or articles for sale; stopping a vehicle or person on foot; interacting with potential customers in or around the vending site... unless such person shall have first applied for and obtained the appropriate license(s) required by this Section, Sec. 9.135, or 9.136, or is exempt from license under another provision herein. ... Table A: 9.13(3)(a)1. Basic Street Vending Annual $250.00, due February 1, late fee $50.00, payment due April 1, late payment fee $75.00. 9.13(3)(a)2. Basic Street Vending Monthly $150.00, due February 1.
Full Breakdown
" "Street Vending" under this section includes any activity that furthers the vending operation at the site, whether or not the equipment is actually open for business, and unlicensed helpers may not linger at a vending site beyond what's expressly allowed. 13(1)(a) sets the fee schedule: a Basic Street Vending Annual license costs $250, due by February 1 with a $50 late fee, and payment due April 1 with a $75 late payment fee; a Basic Street Vending Monthly license runs $150 for a 30-day term; and a Basic Street Vending Umbrella license covering Mall Food or Citywide Food vending costs $600 annually.
Annual licenses run from April 15 (or the issue date, if later) through April 14 the following year. 03(5), the City's civil rights ordinance. 17's parks-vending rules.
Violations & Fines
Vending without the required license, or violating the general restrictions on street vending, is enforced under MGO § 9.13 with an escalating forfeiture schedule: $200 for a first violation in a 12-month period, $250 for a second, and $300 for a third or subsequent violation within that same year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell food from a cart on a Madison sidewalk?
How much does a Madison street vending license cost?
What activities count as 'street vending' under Madison's ordinance?
When does a Madison street vending license expire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
Compare Madison to another location·View the Wisconsin food trucks & mobile vendors overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Sidewalk & Mobile Vending in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle sidewalk & mobile vending.