Annapolis, MD Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Historic District
- Special events only, City-organized
- Private property
- Written, dated owner permission required
- Nearby restaurants
- Sign-off needed within 100 feet
- Public property
- Requires City-issued permit
- Generator noise limit
- 65 decibels at 50 feet
Summary
Annapolis bars food trucks from the Historic District except at city-organized special events, and requires written property-owner permission on private land or a permit on public property elsewhere in the city.
B. Mobile Food Service Vendors...1. Historic District. Mobile food service vendors are allowed in the City's Historic District...only as part of a special event organized by the City per Chapter 14.18. 2. Outside the Historic District...may operate as follows: a. On private property only with the express written permission of the: i. Property owner...; ii. Authorized representative of any restaurant within 100 feet of the proposed food truck location; or b. On public property pursuant to a validly issued permit...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Annapolis City Code § 7.40.090(B), mobile food service vendors, food trucks, may not operate in the Historic District except as part of a special event organized by the City. Outside the Historic District, a food truck may work on private property only with the property owner's written permission specifying start and end dates, plus sign-off from any restaurant within 100 feet of the site, or on public property under a City-issued permit or equivalent written City approval. Trucks may not block rights-of-way, fire hydrants, or fire department connections, and generator noise from onboard equipment is capped at 65 decibels measured from 50 feet away.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 7.40 is a municipal infraction under § 7.40.095, carrying a fine set by City Council resolution; the City may also pursue other available judicial remedies for continued violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a food truck operate in downtown Annapolis's Historic District?
Does a nearby restaurant have any say over a food truck parking next to it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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