District of Columbia Statewide Rule
District of Columbia Food Truck Vending Permit Rules
Key Facts
- Basic business license
- Required
- Vending site permit
- Required from Mayor
- Food endorsement
- Food Establishments: Retail
- Enforcing agency
- DLCP
- Penalty
- Class 1 civil infraction
Summary
In the District of Columbia, you cannot operate a food truck or vending cart from public space without both a basic business license and a vending site permit issued by the Mayor.
a person shall not vend from a sidewalk, roadway, or other public space unless the person holds: (1) A basic business license; (2) A vending site permit, or other authorization issued by the Mayor
Full Breakdown
DC Official Code § 37-131.02 bars any person from vending on a sidewalk, roadway, or other public space unless they hold a basic business license and a vending site permit (or other Mayoral authorization). Food vendors carry a Food Establishments: Retail endorsement, and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection sets cart and vehicle design standards under § 37-131.06b. Enforcement runs through DLCP and the vending program. Vending without an active license or site permit is a Class 1 civil infraction under 16 DCMR § 3201.
Violations & Penalties
Vending from public space without an active basic business license or vending site permit is a Class 1 civil infraction under 16 DCMR § 3201, enforced by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need more than one license to run a DC food truck?
Who regulates food trucks in the District of Columbia?
Sources
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