Bozeman, MT Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)

Section 28.03.050 opens with two flat rules: mobile vendors can operate a mobile vending unit only in the locations the section describes, and mobile vending is prohibited in alleys.

Subsection A lists the zoning districts where operation is permitted: commercial (B-1, B-2, B-2M, B-3), industrial (M-1, M-2, B-P), public land and institutions (PLI), residential emphasis mixed use (REMU), urban mixed use (UMU), historic mixed use (HMU) and residential office (R-O). Subsection B closes streets designated in the most recently adopted long range transportation plan as interstate, principal arterial, minor arterial or collector, unless the director of transportation and engineering approves. Subsection C creates a downtown and midtown exception on both sides of Main Street between North Broadway Avenue and North 7th Avenue, Mendenhall Street between Rouse Avenue and North 7th Avenue, Babcock Street between South Wallace Avenue and South 4th Avenue, Rouse Avenue between Babcock Street and Main Street, South Willson Avenue between Main Street and Babcock Street, and North 7th Avenue between Main Street and Peach Street/Durston Road. Nothing in the section authorizes use of a designated state highway against state law.

On private property, subsection D requires written and notarized permission from the owner, kept in the unit at all times, and the unit is subject to the land use standards for the property. It cannot take over required off-street parking, and the wheels of a mobile vending vehicle must not be removed. City property has its own gatekeepers under subsection E: the director of parks and recreation for parks, the parking commission for city parking lots under its authority, the city manager for other city real property, and the library board of trustees for library grounds.

Subsection F allows special event food vending, including in residential zones, when the property owner has invited the vendor to an event such as a neighborhood block party, wedding or birthday party. The unit stays only for the duration of the event.

Section 28.03.060 sets hours of 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. in the B2 and B3 districts, and a split schedule of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Main Street between Church Avenue and Grand Avenue.