Street and Sidewalk Vendor Licenses

The City of Harrisburg does require a business license for any kind of business in town, including street and sidewalk vendor licenses.  A street and sidewalk vendor means an individual or operation that sells food, beverages, wares or goods from public property, including mobile food vendors and sidewalk cafes.   A street or sidewalk vending business is only allowed in our commercial zones. 

No person may conduct business on a sidewalk within 10 feet of the intersection of the sidewalk or with any other sidewalk. There are further limitations to the size of any mobile device or pushcart, and how much of the public right-of-way can be used by a sidewalk vendor. Please see Harrisburg Municipal Code Chapter 5.25 for more information. 

If you wish to put your street or sidewalk business on the property of another business, such as a Christmas Tree lot, or a temporary retail booth on a busy holiday weekend, then along with the permission of that business owner, you'll also need to pick up a temporary business license from the City of Harrisburg.  You are not allowed to place a temporary business on residential property.

Please contact the City Recorder/Assistant City Administrator or City Administrator for questions in relation to a street or sidewalk vendor license.