Fort Wayne, IN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Fort Wayne Parks Department
- Where you may vend
- Only Department-designated areas/times
- Permit term
- Yearly, expires December 31
- Transferable
- No
- Max fine
- Up to $2,500 plus impoundment
Summary
Fort Wayne requires a Parks Department permit before selling food, refreshments, or goods from a vehicle, tent, or table in any city park, and vendors may only operate in the specific areas and times the Department designates in writing.
Every person who vends, sells or offers for sale from a vehicle, tent or table, food, refreshments or goods and services in or upon any public park or park facility shall, before engaging in such business, obtain from the Department (705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805, 427-6000) a permit to do so.
(B) The Department may limit the number of any type of permit issued to a quantity sufficient to adequately serve the patrons of parks and park facilities.
(C) The fees for a yearly vending permit for each motorized vending vehicle, trailer or stand, (defined as a temporary structure, tent, table or group of tables at a single location), for each non-motorized vending vehicle, and for a one-day vending license, to cover a special event, shall be established by the Department. Said fees may provide exemptions for not-for- profit, charitable or religious organizations.
(D) All permits issued under this section shall be prominently displayed and produced for inspection when requested by a police officer or park employee or representative, are not transferable, and yearly permits expire on December 31 of the year in which issued.
(E) The Department shall designate, in writing, to each permit holder, the specific times and areas in parks where vending may take place.
(F) No permit granted under this section shall be construed to entitle any person to vend or sell in any place but in the areas specifically designated,
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Under Fort Wayne Code of Ordinances § 97.22, anyone vending food, refreshments, or goods and services from a vehicle, tent, or table in a public park or park facility must get a permit from the Parks Department (705 E. State Blvd.) before starting. The Department sets a cap on how many permits of each type it issues, designates in writing the exact times and areas where a permit holder may vend, and can grant an exclusive concession contract for a facility instead. Vending outside the designated area or times, or selling items not listed on the permit, is not authorized even with a valid permit. Yearly permits run through December 31 and are non-transferable; this section covers park property only, not city streets generally.
Violations & Fines
Vending without a permit, outside the designated area/times, or off-permit items violates § 97.22 and can get the permit revoked; § 97.99 sets fines up to $2,500, plus possible vehicle impoundment, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a food vendor set up anywhere in a Fort Wayne park?
Do I need a permit to sell food from a truck in a Fort Wayne park?
What if I vend in a park without a permit or outside my designated spot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
Compare Fort Wayne to another location·View the Indiana food trucks & mobile vendors overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.