Hamden, CT Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Section 117.04 lets vendors or peddlers of popcorn, peanuts, balloons, banners, toys and other similar items obtain a limited and restricted permit from the Chief of Police or a designee, but only for a carnival, fair, festival or circus day, and only on the streets within a radius of one-half mile of the grounds where the event is held. The fee for this one-day permit is $25, well below the $200 annual permit set by § 117.03 for general peddling. Although limited to the event day and area, the permit is still subject to the same requirements as any other permit issued under Chapter 117: under § 117.05 the vendor must apply in writing to the Police Department with a physical description, Connecticut taxation number, description of goods sold, vehicle information, any prior arrests or convictions, two photographs, and fingerprinting.

Under § 117.06 the vendor must display a Police Department-issued badge reading 'licensed/permitted vendor' with the permit's dates, and any cart or vehicle used must carry matching signs on both sides. As with other Chapter 117 permits, the Police Chief need not issue one to an applicant who has violated the chapter or been convicted of a felony, and an aggrieved applicant can appeal that denial to the Legislative Council under § 117.07. The permit remains non-transferable.