South Bend, IN Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed Zones
- Business, commercial, industrial, mixed-use
- Residential
- Prohibited (park permit exception)
- Max Stay
- 8 hours per location
- School Buffer
- 1,000 ft, 7am–3:30pm
- Sidewalk
- Keep 5 feet clear
Summary
South Bend food trucks may park only in business, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zones, never in residential neighborhoods, for up to eight hours at one spot, and cannot vend within 1,000 feet of a school during school hours.
Vehicles are prohibited from parking in restricted areas or areas that are residentially zoned neighborhoods, except that parking in a public park is authorized if the Parks Department has issued a permit to the vendor to operate in a public park.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Section 4-45 sets where South Bend food trucks may operate. Vehicles may park only in areas zoned business, commercial, industrial, or mixed use, and are prohibited from residentially zoned neighborhoods except in a public park with a Parks Department permit. A truck may not stay at one fixed location more than eight hours, must keep five feet of sidewalk clear, cannot park within 25 feet of a street corner, and may not vend within 1,000 feet of school grounds between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on school days. No outdoor seating, BBQ pits, or canopies are allowed.
Violations & Fines
Parking in a residential zone, blocking sidewalks or hydrants, or vending near a school in restricted hours violates section 4-45. Enforcement can include fines and loss of the mobile food vendor license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a food truck park in South Bend?
Can food trucks operate near schools?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Bend
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