Information about Pearl Street Mall Mobile Vending Carts

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 are open for Mobile Vending Cart permits valid from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028.

Information about Mobile Food Vehicles, as distinct from Mobile Vending Carts, is available on the Mobile Food Vehicles page.

Applications are open

For Mobile Vending Cart permits valid from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028. 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.

Operation Requirements

  • Hours of Operation – Minimum 5 days/week and 4 hrs./day from July - September, or additional hours as indicated on permit. If a MVC permit is deemed inactive by the city, it will automatically expire.
  • Size – Maximum 4 ft. wide x 10 ft. long (excluding roof overhangs/wheels) x 8 ft. height
  • Location – Must remain in numbered location as indicated on permit, unless relocated by the city to accommodate a Special Event Permit or as approved through a new MVC permit application.
  • Signage – Carts must publicly display their approved MVC permit and approved sign containing dates and hours of operation, items for sale and prices for each. Changes to the items and prices must be submitted to the city permitting entity for approval.
  • Maintenance – All trash will be disposed of off-site, and the permit location will be maintained in a neat, clean and hazard-free condition.
  • Storage – All MVCs will be stored off the mall when not in operation.
  • Permits – MVC permit holders are responsible for obtaining all required building inspections, a Boulder County health inspection, sales tax or other permits or licenses at their own expense from all applicable government departments.

How to Apply for a Mobile Vending Cart Permit

Application Requirements

Please note that when you go to submit the application, you will be asked to fill out and submit the following information.

  • 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 as cash holdings and assets)

All required documentation is fillable directly in the Mobile Vending Cart application form.

Submit Your Application

When you have the materials above prepared, please fill out and submit your application:

  • Mobile Vending Cart Application Form - all applications are due by the end of December 15, 2026. Operators with an approved permit during 2026 do not need to resubmit the form, and may simply notify staff at DowntownActivation@bouldercolorado.gov that they wish to renew for another year ("two options to renew for additional one-year periods" - 4-11-12(i)).

If You Are Approved

Approved Mobile Vending Cart permit holders must provide the following to the permitting entity:

  • Once your application is approved, you will receive a document for eSignature through the SmartRec by Amilia system. The eSigned contract will serve as your permit and should be printed and maintained at your cart during operations. The invoices for your two payments of $1,305 (BRC 4-20-11(c) will be sent to you through the SmartRec by Amilia system. Set up and then activate your account for smooth processing.
  • 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 $1 million per occurrence or $2 million in the aggregate.
  • Copy of City of Boulder use & sales tax license. Be advised that this first-time process may take up to six weeks to complete.
  • Copy of cart sign (at least 1 ft. x 1 ft. in size) listing hours of operation, items for sale and corresponding prices.
  • A copy of your current Colorado Retail Food Establishment Mobile License. If you are not a currently licensed mobile unit you must submit plans for approval directly to Boulder County Public Health. This is a fee-based service, separate from City of Boulder requirements. Information regarding this licensing process is available online. Be advised that this process may take up to six weeks to complete.
  • Completed inspection with the permitting entity to ensure conformance with approved plans and site on Pearl Street Mall.
  • Permits – MVC permit holders are responsible for obtaining all required building inspections, a Boulder County health inspection, sales tax or other permits or licenses at their own expense from all applicable government departments.

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