Madison, WI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)

13(1). Vending is flatly prohibited on any street designated "arterial" or "collector" on the City's Street Functional Class Map that has a posted speed limit above 25 mph and sits directly adjacent to or across from school property, unless the Vending Oversight Committee (VOC) grants an exception; a vendor seeking one must notify the school official, the district alder, and any registered neighborhood association in writing at least seven days before the VOC meeting and appear in person. Vending is also flatly banned on any bicycle path, bicycle way, or recreational trail the City owns or maintains, across the entire right-of-way width, though this does not reach the Camp Randall High Density Vending Area's use of the Southwest Commuter Bike Path under a separate agreement.

17, and no street vending license issues for those locations unless the applicant shows compliance with that section. The Common Council can also declare up to 15 days per calendar year of temporary no-vending zones near the Alliant Energy Center or other convention venues, by resolution after VOC referral, though that tool cannot be used to shut down the City's five standing specialized vending areas, the State Street Mall/Capitol Concourse, High Density Vending, Southeast Campus Vending, UW Football Game Day Vending, and Late Night Vending, or a location already covered by an approved Street Use Permit.

"Extended Delivery," defined as delivering food or beverage to more than five customers at once on the public right-of-way, is banned citywide outright, with no permit available for it anywhere in Madison.