Stationary Street Food Vending Permit applications will not be available for 2025. We are currently reviewing the program and the next opportunity for vendors to apply will be in 2026.
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
Renewing your permit
If you're an existing vendor, log into your online account to renew your stationary street vending permit. You will need to:
- Attach a current City of Vancouver business licence
- Attach an appropriate liability insurance
- Pay the permit deposit fee by the end of January and the remainder of the permit fee by end of April
- Attach a valid Vancouver Coastal Health permit (food permits only)
- Fill out the vendor agreement document
Important dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| January 31 | Last day for renewing vendors to pay their deposit fee. |
| April 30 | Last day for renewing vendors to pay the balance of their permit fee (before 12 noon) and provide any related documentation. |
| May 1 | Permits are issued, valid for one year until April 30. |
2025 Fees
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $66.84 |
| Permit fee (food) | $1,478.51 + GST |
| Permit fee (non food) | $1,108.48 + GST |
Information icon All fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase based on our Engineering Fees report PDF file (231 KB) and change without notice.
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.
Fire safety requirements for mobile and temporary food vending operations
Vendors must complete all of the applicable documents indicated below and follow the requirements described in the documents prior to commencing operation.