Code Compliance Services
Restaurant and Bar Inspection Division  |  Street Vending  |  Application Procedures

A Central Business District (CBD) Concession License is required to vend in the Central Business District of Dallas.

A CBD Concession License allows the holder to sell, distribute services or goods, except for potted plants, vegetables, or fruits on public or private property in the Central Business District of Downtown Dallas.

A CBD Concession License does not authorize the licensee to do business on any particular location in the CBD; this is allowed by the Location Permit.

A Location Permit allows a person to occupy a particular location on public property in order to vend; provided they hold a CBD Concession License.  A person that holds a CBD Concession License may receive a maximum of five (5) CBD Location Permits in addition to permits issued for Arts and Warehouse Districts. The director may determine the number of 'sites'.

Types Of Permits Required By Vendors Per Property Type Occupied

1. Public Property
1. Location Permit
2. Central Business District Concession License
3. Mobile Food Unit Permit (if applicable)
4. Current Mobile Food Unit Decal (if applicable)
5. Vendor Badge (Warehouse/ West End and Arts District)

2.  Private Property (non-roaming)
1. Central Business District Concession License
2. Mobile Food Unit Permit (if applicable)
3. Current Mobile Food Unit Decal (if applicable)
4. Written permission from the property owner (notarized)
   A Location Permit is not required on Private Property    

Buying a Food Cart:  Restaurant and Bar Inspections Division Message:
It is best not to build, buy or operate a mobile food establishment until you have received approval from the Restaurant and Bar Inspection Division. Food may not be stored, prepared, or washed in home kitchens. Utensils may not be washed in home kitchens. Please see Webpage related to Mobile Food Establishment Guidelines or contact the Restaurant and Bar Inspection Division at
(214) 670-8083.

There are two types of pushcarts allowed in the CBD and the following food items are permitted on them:

1. General Service Pushcarts – Hot dogs, nachos with artificial cheese base, corn on the cob, snow cones, popcorn, pretzels, sausage on a stick, tea, lemonade, and fruit drinks (from dry mix only).
2. Limited Service Pushcarts – Prepackaged chips, candy, ice cream, sodas, and bottled water.  

Fees

• Central Business District Concession License $150.00 (annually)
• Central Business District location Permit $100.00 (monthly)
• General Service Pushcarts Permit $150 (annually)
• Limited Service Pushcart Permit $130 (annually)

Applicants must present current Photo Identification, i.e. a Texas driver’s license or a Texas non-drivers ID.

Applicants must present current Tax ID Certificate.

The vendor is liable for all damages and repairs to the streetscape, trees and vegetation, sidewalks, streets or other public amenities that directly relate to the use of the permitted location.

The vendor may be required to remove private materials or accessories temporarily to allow street, sidewalk, or utility access for maintenance operations or during approved special events. Notification will be made to the vendor within ten days of the event, excluding the case of an emergency situation.

Recycling Awareness: Food vendors are encouraged to use recyclable and biodegradable utensils, containers and napkins.

Violations

Once a City official notifies the permit holder of a violation(s), the permit holder is responsible for remedying the violation within the time period specified in the notice.  Beyond that, fines or subsequent suspension and/or revocation of the permit apply per City Ordinance.

See the City Of Dallas Street Vending Ordinance, Chapter 50, Section 152 (Adobe PDF) for complete information.

Street Vendors May Not

1. use a vehicle that exceeds 6 ft. x 4 ft. x3 ft.;
2. enter or occupy a public roadway to solicit or conduct a sale;
3. place any signs or other advertising devices on public property    other than those signs affixed to the vehicle;
4. operate the business only between the hours of 8:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless special operating hours are approved by the director;
5. physically or visibly obstruction pedestrian and vehicular traffic;
6. sell, distribute, or offer for sale, goods or services that have not been approve by the director;
7. do business in the central business district except on a site designated by the director;
8. be located within 50 ft. of a bus or train stop, City park, or fire hydrant;
9. be located within a construction area or
10. conduct business with vehicular traffic located in the street right-of-way.