Vending Permit
If you sell, display or distribute goods or services on a public street or other public space, you require a Vending Permit.
About the Service
A Vending Permit represents approval of your mobile business's use of City property. City property includes roadways, sidewalks, parks and other property owned by the City.
Types of Permits
Different permits are required for independently operating vendors, festivals and special events. See the permit definitions below:
- Vending Permit: Required for vendors operating vending units on property owned by the City of Edmonton.
- Umbrella Vending Permit: Required for festivals and large events that would like to allow one or more vendors to operate at the event.
- Special Event Vending Permit: Required for small events, including Community League events, that would like to allow one or more vendors to operate at the event.
Note: Fees vary for these permits depending on whether the vendor has proof of not-for-profit status or creates art. See the fees section for more information.
Vendor Categories
Vendors are categorized into Food and Beverage, Ice Cream Only or Other vendor categories. All vendors require $2,000,000 (two million dollars) of general liability insurance coverage and a business licence from the City of Edmonton.
Food and Beverage and Ice Cream Only vendors also also require a Food Handling Permit for the vending unit, which can be obtained by completing the Food Handling Permit Application and submitting it to Alberta Health Services.
For more information on category definitions, see the Vending Guidelines.
Approved Vendor List
The City maintains an Approved Vendor List that includes vendors who are compliant with City Bylaws, Vending Guidelines, and the Terms and Conditions.
The vendors on the list have a current City of Edmonton business licence, valid public liability insurance and, if the vendor is a Food and Beverage or Ice Cream Only vendor, a Food Handling Permit.
These vendors can be hired for private events on City property or by the City for civic events. The list does not represent a City endorsement; any vendor that complies with the requirements will be added to the list.
Please contact the Street Vending Coordinator if you have questions or comments regarding the information that has been provided about your business.
How Do I Obtain the Service?
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
The Vending Permit Application Form requires you to provide information about your business. Complete the form on your computer and save it for an email submission or print it off and fill it in manually.
Businesses also have the option of an online Vending Permit Application. There is also an online application for the Special Event and Umbrella (Festival) Vendor Permit Application.
Check City Regulations
Prior to completing the application, it is suggested vendors use the Construction On Your Street and Road Projects web pages to assist them in choosing locations that will be free from construction conflicts.
Vendors should also consult the Street Vending Location Guidelines for the specifications on setting up operations on street and sidewalk rights-of-way.
Vendors are also encouraged to view the City’s Alphabetical Park Listing.
City of Edmonton bylaws which affect vending permits:
Step 2: Provide the Required Documentation
Attach insurance documentation displaying the expiration date and amount of coverage. Use the checklist on the application to verify you have all required documentation and attach if necessary.
Certificate of Inspection Forms Requirements
Effective July 20, 2015, food truck operators and food trailer operators are required to provide third party certification of inspections, in addition to the existing requirements, in order to acquire any future vending permits.
Submission of Certification of Inspection forms completed by a third party inspector registered in the Province of Alberta demonstrates proof of compliance with the existing legislated safety standards.
A Fire Safety Inspection will also need to be completed by an Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Fire Prevention Officer.
The requirements are as follows:
Certification of Inspection Forms
- Choose an Accredited Organization. Please refer to the Alberta Safety Codes Council website for a list of third party inspectors:
- Complete Certification of Inspection forms for your relevant equipment:
- Gas/Plumbing Requirements
- Ventilation Requirements
- Electrical Requirements
- Fire Requirements
Fire Safety Inspection
- Contact the Fire Prevention Office at 780-496-3628 to book an inspection after all relevant inspections and certification forms are complete.
- Request a copy of the issued Fire Inspection and Accepted Certificate
Step 3: Submit the Required Documentation with the Application
Submit the application with the required documents via:
- Email at streetvending@edmonton.ca OR
- In person or by mail at:
Sustainable Development
5th floor, 10250 - 101 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 3P4
To minimize delays in processing, please ensure the application is complete and that all necessary documents are submitted.
Step 4: Post the Permit
Original copies of the Vending Permit, business licence and Food Handling Permit (if required) must be kept on site during operation. Posting the Vending Permit in an easily visible place is required. In circumstances where visibly posting the permit would be unreasonable, the permit must be kept on site and provided upon request.
Step 5: Keep the Unit and Immediate Area Clean and Neat
Vendors are required to keep vending areas clean and neat. This includes ensuring garbage is removed and the vendor’s presence does not negatively affect the vending area.
To assist in efforts to keep areas clean and neat, all vendors are required to provide garbage and recycling receptacles for customers.
Step 6: Adhere to the Vending Terms and Conditions
All vendors must adhere to the City's
Vending Terms and Conditions and the
Vending Guidelines.
Vending Licence Renewal and Cancellation
Businesses which have a vending permit can use the online Vending Permit Renewal application.
If you want to cancel your vending permit, use the online Vending Permit Cancellation Request.
| streetvending@edmonton.ca | |
| In Person | Sustainable Development |
What the City does with your request
Once the application and documentation is submitted to the City it will be dealt with by the appropriate department depending on the location request and type of permit.
Once permits are issued, the Street Vending Coordinator may inspect locations to ensure the vendor or event is in compliance with applicable bylaws and the Vending Terms and Conditions.
Fees
2016 Fees
| Standard Vendor | Standard Vendor | Not for Profit | Artist | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vending Permit | $115/month | $12/day | $21/month | $11/month |
| Standard Vendor | Not for Profit Vendor | Artist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Festival Vending Permit | $58/vendor per event | $21/vendor per event | $11/vendor per event |
| Special Event Vending Permit | $36/event | $21/event | $11/event |
Other Fees
See the Vending Guidelines for information on meter fees, power fees and other fees.
Contact the City About This Service
For More Information
Permits and Licensing Service Centre
Sustainable Development
5th floor, 10250 - 101 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 3P4
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday
8am to 4:30pm
| Telephone |
In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 780-496-6054 |
FAQ
No. The Street Vending Coordinator is available to process your application and provide information about the service. You are responsible for finding a location and submitting it via the application.
It depends on how many units you would like to operate. If you have a single unit and you would like to operate it at multiple locations, you will only be required to pay for one permit.
If you have multiple units and would like to operate each one at different locations, you will be required to obtain and pay for permits for each location.
If you wish to vend on Transit property, which includes LRT stations, transit centres and transit facilities on titled City land, contact Business Development at 780-496-5787.
Contact the Street Vending Coordinator with a request to be added to the list. You will need to provide a copy of your valid business licence and insurance documentation that displays an expiration date.
It depends. To be considered an artist and pay artist fees, you must create the art you sell or distribute. This means the vendor must be the one who paints, takes the photographs, or otherwise creates the artwork to be considered an artist.
No, buskers do not need a Vending Permit. To be categorized as a busker you must entertain for donations without negotiating a price for the entertainment.
If you wish to busk on Transit property, which includes LRT stations, transit centres and transit facilities on titled City land, permission from ETS is required. Call 780-496-1622 or go to the Customer Service Office.
To be classified as a not-for-profit vendor, you must provide proof of not-for-profit status to the Street Vending Coordinator.
