Street Vendor Registration

A street vendor is any individual who sells food or goods in the street right-of-way, either from a commercial vehicle or stall. According to the Durham City Code of Ordinances, only vendors selling food and periodicals are permitted to sell within the right-of-way of a street. 

Street vendor registration is performed through the Planning Department. Prior to applying, your business will require: 

• an Employer Identification Number (EIN); 
• be registered as a business with Durham County; 
• have conducted a Health Inspection Certificate from Durham County, and/or registered through the State of North Carolina Tax office. 

This registration has to be renewed each year, with a given registration starting each July 1. You will need to present your Health Inspection Certificate each time you apply for a registration. Detailed steps are listed in the Office of Economic and Workforce Development Food Truck Start-up Roadmap.

Additional Requirements 

• If your office is in your home, and is within Durham County, then you would need to obtain a Home Occupation Permit. A fee of $26.00 is required per permit. Per the UDO Sec. 5.4.4 Home Occupation, you may park one commercial vehicle at your home. If you have more than one vehicle in your Food Truck fleet, then the vehicles above the one you can park at your house will have to be parked somewhere else.

If your office is within a business location (such as a Commissary or Restaurant), then you would need to obtain a Business Verification Letter. A fee of $15.60 is required for each letter.