Royal Oak Township, MI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

The Charter Township of Royal Oak Code handles sidewalk vending through the solicitor article, Chapter 18, Article I, not through a food-specific ordinance. Section 18-6(a) contains two prohibitions: no person stops or parks a vehicle at the curb for the purpose of solicitation from a vehicle, and no person establishes a stand, booth or other place of business on any street curb, sidewalk, public right-of-way or other public place. One exception applies. The subsection does not prohibit parking for making deliveries or for consummating a business transaction with persons waiting at the curb, provided the solicitor leaves the curb immediately after the deliveries or transactions are completed.

Subsection (b) closes the roadway loophole. No person can operate or maintain any stand, structure, building or vehicle on or near any public right-of-way for the service of customers or for solicitation in a manner that requires customers to stand, occupy or congregate within the limits of the public roadway. Subsection (c) bars conducting any solicitation so as to obstruct any street, alley, sidewalk or driveway, except as necessary and reasonable to consummate a permitted transaction, and at any time after a public officer asks the person to desist because of congested or dangerous traffic conditions or for the public health, safety or welfare. Subsection (f) bars a stationary solicitor in a public place from shouting or crying out goods, blowing a horn, ringing a bell, or broadcasting or playing any sound to attract attention.

Section 18-1 defines solicitation as traveling from place to place, house to house or street to street taking or attempting to take orders for the sale of goods, merchandise or personal property, and it includes those who call themselves transient merchants, canvassers and peddlers. Licensed operation under § 18-2 requires Township Clerk approval, and solicitors exempt under § 18-4 must still follow § 18-6. Section 18-6 applies unless otherwise expressly permitted by another ordinance or law.

Inside Township parks, § 17-45 separately requires a permit from the director for any stand, cart or vehicle placed for sale or display.