Manhattan food carts must be commissary-based, DOHMH-permitted, and meet size and display rules; each cart must carry a visible permit decal.
Vending carts in New York County (Manhattan) operate under detailed DOHMH regulations (NYC Health Code Article 89) and DCWP rules. Food carts must be serviced daily at a DOHMH-licensed commissary, bear a permit decal, display the vendor's license and menu with prices, and meet size limits (generally no larger than 5 by 10 feet for pushcarts). Propane use is restricted and subject to FDNY rules. Handwashing stations, thermometers, and sneeze guards are required. DCWP-regulated general vendor tables cannot exceed 8 by 3 feet and 5 feet tall. Carts must be attended, removed at night, and cannot be left on sidewalks overnight. Frequent inspections by DOHMH and DCWP inspectors result in fines that can reach 1,000 dollars per violation and cart seizure.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how New York County's cart & stand rules rules stack up against other locations.
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