Street vending cart rules in Columbus, OH — also called pushcart, food cart, or sidewalk vendor regulations — set where mobile vendors can operate and what permits they need.
Columbus regulates food carts and push carts under Chapter 573 alongside food trucks and trailers. Push carts must meet Columbus Fire Department safety standards. All cart operators need a Mobile Food Vendor License and must operate from a licensed commissary.
Food carts and push carts in Columbus fall under the same regulatory framework as food trucks in Chapter 573 of the Columbus City Code. Push cart operators must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor License ($100 fee) from the Department of Safety License Section. Carts must pass Columbus Fire Department inspection, which checks for fire suppression equipment, propane safety (if applicable), and structural integrity. A Franklin County Board of Health food service operations license is required for carts serving food. All carts must operate from a licensed commissary for storage, cleaning, and food preparation. Cart dimensions must allow a minimum 5-6 foot pedestrian clearance on sidewalks. Carts may not be left unattended or stored in the public right-of-way overnight. Non-food merchandise carts (seasonal vendors, flower sellers) may have different licensing requirements through the Department of Safety. Columbus occasionally designates cart-friendly zones in downtown and entertainment districts for special events and festivals. The Short North and Easton areas have been particularly welcoming of cart vendors.
Operating without a license or health permit: citations and potential confiscation. Fire safety violations: immediate out-of-service order. Health violations: shutdown by Franklin County Board of Health.
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See how Columbus's cart & stand rules rules stack up against other locations.
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