Becoming an Outdoor Vendor#
OUTDOOR VENDOR UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have visited this page in the past you would have noticed that our process and application docs have been under construction.
NEW APPLICATION DOCS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND CAN BE FOUND BELOW!
I also wanted to share that we had such a successful turnout for the Outdoor Vendor 101 classes and there is additional information listed below on that as well.
Outdoor Vending 101 Classes Were a Hit! Materials Below
We had an excellent turnout for our first ever Outdoor Vending 101 classes. Thank you to all that were able to make it!
I hope to put on a series of classes again in the Spring of 2023 but am happy to schedule something before then if the interest is there. Just let me know!
I am listing the materials from the class below as a reference for you. Please do not hesitate to call if you would like to go over anything in more detail.
Know Before You Go!#

What exactly is an Outdoor Vendor?
An outdoor vendor shall mean any person, whether as owner, agent, or consignee or employee, who sells or attempts to sell, or offers to the public, any services, goods, wares or merchandise including, but not limited to food or beverage, from any outdoor location.
Where you wish to vend is an important piece to becoming an outdoor vendor. You MUST be preapproved to vend anywhere in Fort Collins and you must submit that information with your application.
Current List of Licensed Outdoor Vendors
This list of vendors is current as of 6/9/2022
Current List of Stationary Vending Approved Locations
These locations have been approved by our Zoning Department to be stationary vending sites. This information is to determine which form to fill out - this DOES NOT allow you to show up any time you want at this location. You must still ask for permission and you must still get approved.
How To Apply#
Please remember that you must have a valid sales tax license before taking the next outdoor vendor step. To apply for that please click HERE.
If you have your sales tax license and are ready to apply for your outdoor vendor license please click HERE.
Please pay close attention the the information on the first page checklist - incomplete packets cannot be processed and it will delay your approval.
Frequently Asked Questions#
- How much does it cost to get an Outdoor Vendor license?highlight_off
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$60.00 for six months and $120.00 for twelve months.
- Do I need an Outdoor Vendor license to participate in a farmer's market or festival in the city?highlight_off
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You do not! You simply need to work with the event organizer to participate. When you see a farmer's market or a large outdoor event the event organizer has typically pulled a permit that covers everyone involved.
You DO NEED a valid sales tax license because that serves as your business license and you can apply here.
I am always happy to speak to you, though, if you need to clarify and can be reached at (970) 221-6527.
- Do I still need an Outdoor Vendor License if I'm not selling food?highlight_off
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Yes! Food trucks are the most common outdoor vendor in Fort Collins but keep in mind that the need for an outdoor vendor license is not limited to food and beverage. Anyone selling anything from an outdoor location is likely to need an outdoor vendor license and encouraged to contact our office to go over details.
- Can I park or set up a stand anywhere in town?highlight_off
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No. There are very specific areas that outdoor vendors can be and there are a number of items you need to turn in with your application before you can get going. The section of the municipal code that governs Outdoor Vendor licensing can be found in Chapter 15, Article XIV.
The basics are this:
- Mobile food truck vendors can only vend in non-neighborhood zone districts (private property) or streets in non-neighborhood zone districts where parallel parking is allowed.
- Pushcart vendors can only vend in non-neighborhood zone districts (private property) or streets in non-neighborhood zone districts where parallel parking is allowed.
- Neighborhood mobile food vendors are things like ice cream trucks and popsicle carts and we recommend calling in to go over details.
- Outdoor vendors of miscellaneous goods and services can operate only in non-residential zone districts (private property).
- Outdoor vendors of transportation services are encouraged to call the office to go over your ideas and we can iron out the details.
All vendors are prohibited from vending within 200ft of a K-12th grade school property line.
Review the Outdoor Vendor Licensing Areas to see if the location you want is in a non-neighborhood zone!
- Can I vend all day, every day?highlight_off
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Please note the following restrictions:
- Vendors may not operate between the ours of 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Vendors may not operate from any (1) location for more than (3) total days within a calendar week
- Vendors may only operate more than (3) days/week at a specific location with minor amendment approval for stationary vending
Minor amendments are applied for and approved by the Zoning Department
- Locations that are out of our jurisdiction to issue a license to vend are:highlight_off
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- Poudre School District
- Colorado State University property
- Public parks and trails
- Downtown Zone District
- Old Town Plaza
Each of the above have their own governing bodies and we suggest reaching out to them directly if you're interested in vending in their areas.
- How do I add a location to my existing Outdoor Vendor license?highlight_off
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Easy! If you currently have an active outdoor vendor license but wish to add another location please fill out the outdoor vendor modification form. You may need one or both of the forms mentioned below as well.
- If you are requesting to vend at one of the approved stationary vending sites please also sign the Vendor's Affidavit for Business Use of a Stationary Vending Site form and return that as well.
- If you are requesting to vend at a different private property that is not approved as a stationary vending site please have the property owner complete an Authorization to Utilize Property form and return that with your modification form.
Additions to your existing outdoor vendor license is free but it will not extend beyond the original expiration date on your license.
- What is a stationary vending approved site and where are they?highlight_off
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Stationary vending approved sites have gone through the minor amendment process through our Zoning department to allow for vendors on site up to 7 days per week.
Without this minor amendment to the property a site can only have vendors on their property up to 3 days per week.
A list of approved stationary vending locations can be found here.
You must still get permission from the owner and complete a Vendor's Affidavit for Business Use of a Stationary Vending Site form when completing your application.
Resources#
Questions?#
We have tried to capture your initial questions here but every vendor seems to present something new!
If you still have questions or would like to go over your specific set up, feel free to call Trelene Keegan at 970-221-6527 or send an email to tkeegan@fcgov.com
We also appreciate any website feedback to make your vending experience just a little bit better.
Happy vending!