Columbia, MO Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Temporary business license, ≤14 days
- Vendor list
- Names, addresses, phone numbers required
- License fee
- $5/vendor/day, $15 cap
- Exemption
- Nonprofit events under 3 days
Summary
Promoters of festivals and street fairs in Columbia, Missouri, must obtain a temporary business license and file a complete vendor list, names, addresses, phone numbers, with the city before the event runs.
At the time of applying for a license pursuant to this division, the promoter shall submit to the business license administrator a list of the total number of vendors or exhibitors participating at the special temporary event for which the license is sought. The list shall include the vendors' names, addresses and business phone numbers, as well as a general description of the goods and services offered by each vendor.(c)The promoter shall be responsible for distributing the necessary sales tax information and forms to any person with a booth or display in the special temporary event. (Ord. No. 17023, § 1, 9-17-01)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).
Full Breakdown
Columbia Code of Ordinances § 13-412 requires any promoter of a temporary special event, trade shows, festivals, arts and crafts shows lasting up to 14 consecutive days, to apply for a temporary business license and submit a list of every vendor's name, address, business phone number and goods offered. Section 13-415 sets the license fee at $5 per vendor per day, capped at $15 per vendor, collected by the promoter and remitted three days before the event. Nonprofit-run events under three days are exempt. This applies within Columbia's Boone County city limits, not South Carolina's capital.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, or a promoter failing to submit or falsify the vendor list, is grounds for license denial or revocation by the business license administrator under § 13-417.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do street fair vendors in Columbia, Missouri need a permit?
What does the temporary special event license cost in Columbia?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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