Des Moines, IA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed parks
- 9 parks; 3 more need approval
- Permit lead time
- At least 3 business days
- Parking rule
- Paved lots/park roads only, no grass
- Operating hours
- Only when restrooms and park open
- License required
- Mobile vendor or transient merchant license
Summary
Des Moines limits mobile food vendors and transient merchants to nine designated parks, plus three athletic complexes with prior written approval, under Municipal Code § 74-210.
Mobile vendors operating mobile vendor vehicles, as defined in article V of chapter 78 of this Code, and transient merchants, as defined in article III of chapter 78 of this Code, may be located or operated only in the following parks:(1)Ashworth Park(2)Evelyn K. Davis Park(3)Ewing Park(4)Grandview Park(5)Greenwood Park(6)MacRae Park(7)Riverview Park(8)Simon Estes Amphitheater Plaza(9)Union Park
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 74-210, mobile food vendors and transient merchants may operate only in nine listed parks, Ashworth, Evelyn K. Davis, Ewing, Grandview, Greenwood, MacRae, Riverview, Simon Estes Amphitheater Plaza, and Union Park, plus three athletic complexes (George Davis Softball Park, James W. Cownie Baseball and Soccer Parks) with the parks and recreation department's written approval. Vehicles and carts must park within a paved lot or park road, never on unpaved ground, and vendors need both a mobile vendor or transient merchant license under Chapter 78 and a separate daily or annual permit from the parks and recreation director, applied for at least three business days ahead.
Violations & Fines
Operating outside a designated park, parking on unpaved ground, or vending without a valid permit can result in permit suspension or revocation under §§ 78-73/78-211, plus penalties for chapter 74 violations under § 74-190.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a food truck park anywhere in a Des Moines park?
What license does a food truck need to vend in a Des Moines park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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