Street vendor permits in Philadelphia, PA — sometimes called sidewalk vendor licenses, mobile vendor permits, or peddler permits — are the licenses required to sell goods or food on public property.
Philadelphia Code Section 9-203 requires all street vendors to obtain a license from L&I. Vending is prohibited between midnight and 7 AM. Mobile food vendors need additional Health Department permits. The city limits vending in certain areas.
Philadelphia Code Section 9-203 defines a 'street vendor' broadly to include any vendor, peddler, hawker, huckster, itinerant merchant, mobile food vendor, or transient vendor. A license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections is required. Vending is prohibited between midnight and 7:00 AM. Vendors cannot sell on streets where sidewalk sales are prohibited by city ordinance. Mobile food vendors and food vehicles require additional permits from the Health Department for food safety compliance. Section 9-204 establishes special rules for sidewalk vendors in Center City, with additional restrictions on location, display size, and operating hours. Section 9-205 governs sidewalk sales (stationary displays), requiring a separate sidewalk sales license at $330 per year. All vendors must comply with ADA clearance requirements and cannot obstruct pedestrian flow, fire hydrants, or building entrances. The city periodically reviews and adjusts the number of available vending licenses.
Vending without a license: fines starting at $300 per violation. Health code violations: immediate closure. Operating during prohibited hours: citations. Merchandise may be confiscated for repeat violations.
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