Vending License Requirements
In order to vend in the City of New Haven, you must acquire a vending license from the City Building Department. The application is attached at the end of this section.
Vending License Requirements
- Your photograph, with proof of your identity and address.
- A valid health permit from the city health department.
- If you plan on using a pushcart, stand, food truck, trailer cart, or vehicle for your business, you need to provide a photo and description of it, including its dimensions.
- If a motor vehicle is to be used, you will need to provide a description of it, with copies of your motor vehicle registration3 and operator’s license.
- If a leased motor vehicle is to be used, you will need to provide a copy of the leasing agreement.
- Proof of your vehicle insurance.
- Disclosure of any person(s) having any ownership interest in the vending enterprise for which a permit is being requested.
- A valid state sales and use tax permit.4
- A site plan showing the location of the vending conveyance to make sure you’re not blocking necessary items: crosswalks, bus stops, traffic signals, etc.
- Background check, which can be waived by the police chief if you are only seeking a vendor license for 5 or fewer consecutive days. There is a criminal record check form within the application materials in this section.
Cost
Updated annually, fees are posted under Section 17-201 of the New Haven Code of Ordinances. As of Fiscal Year 2020-2021:
- Annual vending license is $200.
- Vending license for 4 or fewer consecutive days is $60.
- Special vending districts of downtown and Long Wharf Drive must pay $2,500 for an annual parking site license fee, as well as an annual $500 electricity fee to the City.
- Vendors of pushcarts and stands located in Cedar Street, Downtown, and Sachem Street special vending district, must pay $1,000 for an annual sidewalk site license fee.
- A managing vendor license (overseeing vending operations of 5 carts or more) is $3,500.
Post-Approval
After completing your application and paying the associated fees, you will be issued a dated and signed vendor license. You must carry your vendor license while vending, and be prepared to show your license to an official who requests to see it. You will be issued a fee of $75 if you fail to do this.