Dearborn, MI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Approved parks
- Lapeer, Hemlock, Ford Woods, Ford Field, Levagood, Crowley, Ten Eyck
- Extra permit needed
- Recreation food truck permit, beyond city license
- Park hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Rental fee tiers
- Daily, weekly, weekend, monthly, season, premium
- License alone
- Does not guarantee any location
Summary
Food trucks may not simply park and vend anywhere in Dearborn -- the city limits sales to designated city parks under a separate recreation permit, or to city-permitted block parties, on top of the general food truck license.
(b) Authorized locations to operate food trucks in the city; city park food truck permit required. ... (4) Designated locations. The director of the department of recreation may designate areas at the following locations for the operation of food trucks pursuant to the terms and conditions of this article: a. Lapeer Park. b. Hemlock Park. c. Ford Woods Park. d. Ford Field Park. e. Levagood Park. f. Crowley Park. g. Ten Eyck Park. h. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. i. Other city parks as designated by the recreation director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Dearborn Code Sec. 12-255, a licensed food truck may operate only where the city allows it: designated city parks (Lapeer, Hemlock, Ford Woods, Ford Field, Levagood, Crowley, and Ten Eyck parks, plus the Ford Center for the Performing Arts), each requiring a separate recreation food truck permit and rental fee on top of the citywide food truck license, or at a permitted Chapter 17 block party. Park vending runs 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Holding a food truck license does not guarantee access to any specific location -- operators must apply to the recreation department and can appeal a denied location to city council.
Violations & Fines
Vending outside an approved park permit or block party violates Sec. 12-255 and can trigger license suspension or revocation under Sec. 12-256, plus the Code's general penalty: up to a $500 fine and 93 days in jail per Sec. 1-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Dearborn food truck park on a public street?
Which parks can host food trucks in Dearborn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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Vending Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle vending zones.