Apple Valley, MN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)

Section 118.09 answers the location question in three steps. First, the proposed location is referred to the Community Development Director for approval or disapproval. Second, vending carts are permitted only along the four streets named in the code. A cart can operate on privately or publicly owned property within the boundaries described there, but only with the express written consent of the private property owner and the approval of the Community Development Director. Third, § 118.09(C) bars any location that would substantially impair the movement of pedestrians, vehicles or handicap access, or pose a hazard to public safety.

The code also prints distance rules. No vending cart can operate within 50 feet of an intersection or driveway entrance, within three feet of a curb, directly in front of a commercial entryway, or within 50 feet of another vending cart. Under § 118.07(H) no cart can be operated or permitted to park, stand or stop in any street except to cross at designated street crossings.

Locations are claimed through the license application. Under § 118.03(A) the applicant picks a location under the § 118.09 standards, no location chosen in a previous application is available, and a list of previously chosen locations is available from the office of the Community Development Director. A licensee holding a location has until the end of the renewal period to reapply for it, and a license not renewed by January 15 releases the location to other applicants. Section 118.06 limits the city to four vending cart licenses, and under § 118.07(B) a cart operates only at the location in its license, although a licensee with several licenses can move carts among the locations it holds.

Mobile food units, meaning vehicle mounted food units, are handled in the zoning code. Section 155.362(B)(1) bars a unit from parking in a public or private street while sales are offered unless it is part of a permitted temporary outdoor event and the Director of Public Works approves in writing. Under § 155.362(C) no mobile food unit can be parked or stored when not in operation on residential property, and outdoor storage is allowed on Business Park (BP), Industrial (I-1 and I-2) or Planned Development property under a conditional use permit.