Nashville, TN Street Vending: Vending Zones (2026)

Nashville's vending zone system is managed through the Metropolitan Traffic and Parking Commission and the Nashville Department of Transportation. The downtown entertainment district, particularly the Lower Broadway corridor, is a prohibited zone for sidewalk vending to maintain pedestrian flow and public safety in the city's highest-traffic tourist area. The Mobile Food Vendor Pilot Program designates specific locations and zones where food trucks and mobile food vendors may operate on public streets. Approved locations are selected based on pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns, proximity to permanent restaurants, and infrastructure considerations. Private property vending (including food truck pods and private lots) is regulated through zoning and requires property owner permission. The Metropolitan Traffic and Parking Commission may designate or modify vending zones based on neighborhood input and safety considerations. Different areas of Nashville have different vending cultures, from the active food truck scene in East Nashville to regulated vendor areas near Nissan Stadium during events. Special event vending in and around public venues follows separate permit procedures. Vendors are assigned to specific locations through the permit process.