Lowell permits food trucks primarily at private lots, permitted events, and designated downtown vending zones, with strict limits on operating near brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Lowell does not allow food trucks to freely roam every street. Operators are expected to use private parking lots with owner permission, permitted special events (festivals on the Merrimack Canalway, Lowell Folk Festival, and Winterfest), or designated downtown mobile vending zones approved by the City Manager and the License Commission. Trucks typically must stay at least 100 feet from the front door of any operating restaurant during that restaurants business hours and outside of approved special events. Vending near schools during dismissal hours may also be restricted. Lowell Parks and Recreation must approve any vending inside city parks.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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