Street vending cart rules in Denver, CO — also called pushcart, food cart, or sidewalk vendor regulations — set where mobile vendors can operate and what permits they need.
Denver mobile food carts and trucks must meet DDPHE health standards, maintain commissary agreements, and comply with vehicle and fire safety requirements. All food handling must follow the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules. Vehicles must display permits prominently and carry fire extinguishers.
Mobile food carts and trucks operating in Denver must comply with comprehensive health, safety, and operational standards. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) enforces the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules for all mobile food operations. Vehicles and carts must be inspected and approved by DDPHE before operation. All mobile units must have a signed commissary agreement with a licensed commercial kitchen for food preparation, storage, utensil washing, and vehicle servicing. Food temperature control equipment must maintain proper temperatures for cold holding (41°F or below) and hot holding (135°F or above). Handwashing facilities with potable hot and cold running water are required. Wastewater must be contained and disposed of at an approved facility. Fire extinguishers appropriate for the cooking equipment must be carried on all mobile food units. Propane tanks must comply with Denver Fire Department regulations. Mobile units operating in the public right-of-way must comply with DOTI size and placement restrictions. Generators must meet Denver noise ordinance standards. All permits, licenses, and health inspection reports must be prominently displayed during operation. The Denver Food Truck Association provides industry resources and advocacy for mobile food vendors.
Health code violations result in DDPHE enforcement including warnings, fines, and potential immediate closure for critical violations (food temperature, contamination, sanitation). Operating without a commissary agreement is a violation of the retail food mobile license. Fire safety violations carry separate penalties from the Denver Fire Department.
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