Street food stationary vending permits

We use a scoring system to award new permits to street food stationary vendors. Top-scoring applicants are awarded new street food permits which are issued on May 1 every year.

If locations are available for the current year, we accept applications in February that are due at the end of the month. If there are no locations vacated or available, applications will not be accepted until the following year.

Street food vendors can also sell street food:

• In other parts of Vancouver with a roaming street food vending permit
• At events, markets, or festivals by contacting the event organizer

Important dates

2024 Fees

Rules and requirements

Street food vending permits

• Are valid from May 1 to April 30 of the following year
• Remain the property of the City of Vancouver
• Must be displayed to the public at all times
• Must be given immediately, upon request, to any City of Vancouver official or Vancouver Police Department member
• Cannot be rented or transferred to the control of another operator

Permit holders

Permit holders need to:

• Meet the City’s general permit conditions (such as on the menu and the placement of your waste receptacles)
• Maintain the waste management plan indicated in your permit application and dispose of waste as per your waste management plan in accordance with the Solid Waste By-Law No. 8417 PDF file (218 KB)
• Cooperate with any City of Vancouver official or Vancouver Police Department member
• Get approval before changing food menus by the Engineering Department and Vancouver Coastal Health
• Ensure the vending unit is attended to at all times when in operation
• Ensure that the location is kept free of rubbish and debris generated by the vendor or customers

You must operate your vending unit:

• As owner operator for at least 90 days in the permit year (May 1 to April 30)
• Only at the exact location and times specified on the permit
• During the operating hours displayed on the permit, and remove your vending unit from City streets during non-operating hours

Food trucks, carts, and other street food vending units

Vending units must:

• Not relocate for any reason unless absolutely necessary, with approval of the Engineering Department (for example, when there is road or sidewalk construction)
• Be constructed with the consultation and approval of the Engineering Department and, where appropriate, Vancouver Coastal Health
• Follow all requirements set out in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 96 for ventilation control and fire protection External website, opens in new tab
• Follow fire safety requirements
• Maintain high standards of appearance at all times
• Undergo a health inspection
• Not make any changes without prior approval

Display boards

Only one sign board per vending unit will be permitted.

Signs boards:

• Are considered to be part of the vending unit and must also be approved
• Must be placed against the cart at all times

Storing your vending unit (food permits only)

The site location and storage facilities for your vending unit must be approved by Vancouver Coastal Health.

Refer to Vancouver Coastal Health's guidelines External website, opens in new tab

The vending unit storage facility, also known as a commissary, must have:

• A minimum of a painted concrete floor
• Smooth, easily cleanable and impervious finishes on the walls, ceilings and storage surfaces
• A design that prevents the entrance and harbourage of rodents or insects
• A minimum of a two compartment sink with hot and cold running water
• Mechanical refrigeration for the storage of perishable products
• Adequate electrical lighting
• Adequate rubbish disposal

When rules and requirements are not followed

Permit holders and vending unit operators that do not follow City bylaws and permit conditions can have their:

• Goods confiscated
• Permit suspended, cancelled, or not renewed

The City is not responsible for the economic viability of any location.