Denver, CO Street Vending: Vending Zones (2026)

Denver establishes designated vending zones through multiple departments. The Downtown Denver Business Improvement District manages the 16th Street Mall vending program, which provides opportunities for food and beverage, retail, and service kiosks or carts along the mall. The 16th Street program operates seasonally and applications are reviewed by the BID. Denver Parks and Recreation designates specific park locations for temporary food and non-alcoholic beverage vending, with permits available through the parks department. DOTI designates approved right-of-way locations for mobile food vendors through the Street Occupancy Permit process. Vending locations must comply with zoning regulations, maintain clear pedestrian pathways, and avoid conflicts with brick-and-mortar restaurants and other vendors. Hours of operation are typically 6 AM to 10 PM but vary by zone. Vendors are assigned specific locations through the permit process and may not relocate without authorization. Temporary vending permits in parks are separate from street vending permits and have different fee structures.