Columbus, OH Street Vending: Vending Zones (2026)

Columbus City Code Chapter 573 and the Department of Public Service rules establish location restrictions for street vendors. Mobile food vendors must maintain minimum distances from existing restaurants (typically 50 feet from the entrance), building entrances, bus stops, fire hydrants, crosswalks, and intersections. Vending on public sidewalks requires maintaining a minimum 5-6 foot pedestrian path. Vendors may not operate within 1,000 feet of a special event without event permission. Residential area vending may be restricted based on zoning. Popular vending locations include the Short North, downtown lunch spots near City Center, the Arena District, and near Ohio State University campus. The city designates certain areas for food truck gatherings and food truck festivals. Metered parking spaces may be used by food trucks if properly fed. Private property vending (such as in parking lots) requires property owner permission and may still need city licensing. During special events, the city may designate specific vendor zones and require separate vendor permits through the event organizer.