Pocatello, ID Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed parks
- Ross, NOP, Hawthorne, O.K. Ward, Bonneville, Raymond, Simplot Square
- Licensing agency
- City of Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department
- Application deadline
- 25 days before sale (40 days for exceptions)
- Insurance required
- $500,000 combined liability, City as additional insured
- Fee waiver deadline
- 6 weeks before event, nonprofits only
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 6 months jail (§ 1.04.040)
Summary
The City of Pocatello only allows licensed food and beverage vending inside seven specific parks and at listed festivals and sports leagues. Pocatello City Code § 5.06.020 confines sales to Ross Park, NOP Park, Hawthorne Park, O.K. Ward Park, Bonneville Park, Raymond Park and Simplot Square; every other City park or public place is off-limits unless the Parks and Recreation Director or City Council grants a specific exception.
The regulations set out in this chapter shall apply to all individuals, groups, business entities, or organizations engaged in the sale of food, beverages, or any other merchandise from his person or from a stand, cart, trailer, booth, tent or awning situated on a public place or park. Sales may be on a onetime only or a seasonal basis, and shall include sales at short term special events. Public places and parks where licensed sales may be allowed to include: Ross Park, NOP Park, Hawthorne Park, O.K. Ward Park, Bonneville Park, Raymond Park, and Simplot Square. ... Public places and parks where permitted/licensed sales are allowed shall be limited to the above listed locations, and will not be issued at any other City park facility or public place, unless a specific exception is granted at the discretion of the City Parks and Recreation Director or the City Council.
Full Breakdown
In the City of Pocatello, it is unlawful under § 5.06.030 for any individual, group, business entity or vendor to sell food, beverages or merchandise at a public place or park without first obtaining a license from the Parks and Recreation Department. Applicants must file at least twenty five days before the first day of sale, or forty days if requesting one of the discretionary exception locations, and must supply proof of at least $500,000.00 in combined liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, along with a description of the goods, the proposed site and a recycling plan under § 5.06.040.
The Director of Parks and Recreation reviews and approves or denies applications within ten days, and a denied vendor may appeal in writing to the City Clerk for a hearing before the City Council under § 5.06.050. Licensing periods and fees are set from time to time by City Council resolution under § 5.06.070, and nonprofit groups may request a fee waiver in writing at least six weeks before their event under § 5.06.080. Garage sales, swap meets and other nonevent commercial displays are strictly prohibited in parks and public places under § 5.06.090.
Vendors outside the listed parks and events may still operate under a separate contract approved at the City Council's discretion, such as the Southeast Idaho Farmers' Market or municipal golf course concessions, per § 5.06.100.
Violations & Fines
Selling without a license is a violation of § 5.06.030. Because Chapter 5.06 sets no separate penalty, an offense falls under the City's general penalty clause, § 1.04.040: a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.00 or up to six months in the county jail, or both, with each day of unlicensed vending charged as a separate offense. A denied applicant may request a hearing before the City Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a food cart in any Pocatello park?
How far in advance must I apply for a vending license?
What happens if I vend without a license?
Can a farmers market vendor sell outside the listed parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pocatello
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