Mobile Vending

Mobile vending is considered any temporary activity and/or apparatus from which the operator prepares, assembles, or displays with the intent to sell such items to the general public (excluding produce stands). 

Mobile Vending is permitted as a Temporary Use on private property within the CD-4, CD-4C, CD-5, SD-LI, SD-HI, and Civic Zoning Districts. In order to maintain the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians on the City’s roadways, mobile vendors may set up for service or conduct business on any public Right-of-Way, except as provided in the Zoning Ordinance. Vending in the Right-of-Way is permitted in designated areas within the CD-5 District (i.e. downtown), as part of a special event that includes full or partial street closures, or as part of a mass gathering permitted by the City.

All mobile vending in the City of Columbia requires a permit. Please visit the City's online permitting portal to apply.

After July 1, 2023, within the CD-5 District, Food Trucks with a current mobile vending permit may operate in designated on-street spaces. Spaces marked in green are available for permitted mobile vendors every day (when not utilized by motorists for parking). Permitted vendors may utilize the additional spaces marked in yellow on First Fridays only (when not utilized by motorists for parking). On-street vending outside of designated areas is prohibited. The map of areas where on-street vending is permitted will be updated quarterly. The current map is effective through the third quarter of 2023 (July, August, September.  Please contact Planning & Zoning if you have any questions about where vending is permitted in the right-of-way.

Mobile vending regulations are located in Section 4.3.9.E.6 of the Columbia Zoning Code.