Denver regulates food truck vending locations through DRMC Chapter 32 and zoning code. Right-of-way vending requires a ROW Mobile Vendor permit and is limited to approved zones with minimum distance from restaurants. Private property vending allowed with owner consent in commercial/mixed-use zones.
Under DRMC Chapter 32 and the Denver Zoning Code, food trucks may operate on public right-of-way only with a ROW Mobile Vendor permit and only in designated vending zones. Prohibited locations include within 200 feet of a brick-and-mortar restaurant during its operating hours (historically enforced but subject to First Amendment challenges and loosening), within 50 feet of another food truck, within 20 feet of a crosswalk or driveway, in bicycle lanes, in loading zones, or blocking fire hydrants and ADA ramps. Time limits typically cap a single location at 4 hours. Downtown and LoDo have special zones with additional scheduling. Private property vending is allowed in Mixed-Use, Commercial, and Industrial zones with written property-owner consent and compliance with zoning; residential zones prohibit vending. Popular Denver food truck venues include Civic Center EATS (City Park/Civic Center series), RiNo Art District food truck rallies, and the Colorado Convention Center vicinity under event permits. Catering on private event sites is allowed with event-specific permits.
Vending outside approved zone: $100 to $500 and order to move. Blocking ROW access: immediate relocation plus $250 fine. Repeat violations: suspension or revocation of Mobile Vendor license.
See how Denver County's vending zones rules stack up against other locations.
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