Applications Reopen December 2025

The City of Boulder issues a limited number of mobile vending cart (MVC) permits each year to enhance the vibrancy of the Pearl Street Mall. Applications reopen in December 2025. Permits will be valid from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

Application Requirements

  • Description of what your cart is offering, including what value it provides to the downtown community
  • Written statement demonstrating relevant business experience and related business activity
  • Hours of operation and inventory of product offerings, prices, and seasonality of demand
  • Statement of financial backing (such a cash holdings and assets; bank statements not required)

Approved MVC permit holders must provide the following to the City of Boulder

  • When you have received your invoice for the payment of $1,234.75, use your City of Boulder sales tax license login ID to pay by credit/debit card/Echeck using the city payments portal. Scroll down to “Pay/General Bill Payments.”
  • Certificate of Insurance indemnifying and holding harmless the City of Boulder, its officers, employees, and agents against any and all claims arising from any occurrence occasioned by the permitted use for the duration of the permit. Minimum liability limits are $1M per occurrence or $2M in the aggregate.
  • Copy of City of Boulder use & sales tax license. City of Boulder business license may take up to eight weeks for review and issuance, please plan accordingly: boulderonlinetax.gentaxcpc.net/TAP/
  • Copy of cart sign (at least 1 ft x 1 ft in size) listing hours of operation, items for sale and corresponding prices.
  • Boulder County Health Department Inspection Certificate (food vendors only). Food vending cart inspection and permitting will take 8-10 weeks for completion, please plan accordingly: bouldercounty.gov/records/licenses/restaurant-and-food-vendor-licensing
  • Completed inspection with the City of Boulder to ensure conformance with approved plans.