Adams County, CO Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Ordinance No. 5, adopted July 8, 1991, governs food and merchandise vending on public streets and sidewalks in unincorporated Adams County. Section 5 sets sidewalk-specific limits: a vendor selling from a stand may not operate where the sidewalk is narrower than 6 feet, may not vend within 24 feet of a crosswalk at any intersection, and may not vend within 24 feet of a bus stop sign. No vending stand can exceed 4 feet in width, 8 feet in length or 54 inches in height, and a vendor cannot lean or hang sale items against a building or structure on public property without the owner's permission.

Vending from a stand is barred outright on sidewalks adjacent to Principal Arterials as classified in the Adams County Comprehensive Plan. Every stand vendor must first hold a license issued under Section 3, and the license must specify the exact sidewalk location approved, valid there only. Stands cannot be left unattended, stored overnight on a sidewalk, or expanded with extra tables, crates or racks beyond what was described in the license application. Vendors selling food or beverages for immediate consumption must provide their own litter receptacle and remove all trash before leaving.

Food and beverage vendors must comply with Tri-County Health Department inspection standards. Licenses must be displayed openly during operation, and advertising beyond posted prices or the vendor's name requires prior approval from the Department of Planning and Development.