Chapter 47. Vendors - Regulations
Sec. 47-2 Hours and Place of Operation - Regulations
COMCOR 47.02.01 Vendor Operation and LicensesLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.01.01 (2026)
47.02.01.01 PurposeLinkCopy Citation
This regulation establishes a licensing process for any individual engaged in an activity as a vendor as defined in § 47-1 of the Montgomery County Code 1994, as amended. This regulation also establishes specific requirements for vendors and uniform procedures for enforcement.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.01.02 (2026)
47.02.01.02 ApplicabilityLinkCopy Citation
This regulation applies to any individual who is a vendor as defined in Chapter 47 of the Montgomery County Code, or conducts a transitory use as defined in Chapter 59 of the Montgomery County Code. This regulation also governs the administration of the licenses and regulations of County employees.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.01.03 (2026)
47.02.01.03 DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
For purposes of this regulation, the following words and phrases, have the meaning indicated. Words and phrases defined and used in Chapters 47 and 59 of the Montgomery County Code have the meaning indicated in those chapters. All other words and phrases have their common, ordinary meaning as defined in Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials Manual unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Certified Agricultural Producer: A vendor who has obtained an Agricultural Producer Certificate from the Department of Permitting Services.
Direct Supervisor: An adult vendor with a valid point of sale license and operator permit, or another authorized adult with a valid operator permit who is responsible for the activities of another vendor operator and is available to the site of the vending activity at all times within 5 minutes. Certified Agricultural Producers, engaged in daily farming activities, are to be available by telephone within 5 minutes and available to the site of the vending activity within 60 minutes if required.
Door-to-door: An approval for a vendor or operator that conducts vending activity by traveling from dwelling to dwelling, or office to office.
Operator Permit: A wallet sized, photo identification, which must be carried by each person engaged in vending activities.
Point of Sale License: An 8 ½ x 11 inch document, issued by the director, which must be prominently displayed at the point where the vending occurs, unless otherwise stated in these regulations.
Regular Route: An approval for a vendor or operator that conducts vending activity along streets on a repetitive schedule stopping only to dispense products unless otherwise permitted by these regulations.
Temporary Sales License: An approval for a vendor or operator that conducts vending activity in the right-of-way, on private property, or door-to-door for a period not to exceed sixty (60) consecutive days in a calendar year.
Site Specific: An approval for a vendor or operator that conducts vending activity from a stationary location subject to the approval of the director.
Vending Activity: The selling, offering to sell, or soliciting orders for the sale of goods or services which occurs on public or private property and involves a vendor as defined in Chapter 47 or a transitory use as defined in Chapter 59 of the Montgomery County Code. This does not include the distribution of sales literature without soliciting an order, or kiosks and similar structures, temporary or permanent, located within covered malls in compliance with Montgomery County Code, 1994 as amended, Chapter 8, Buildings. A garage sale is not a vending activity unless it exceeds the limits specified in Chapter 47. For the purposes of these regulations a garage sale is the sale, on residential property, of goods previously used by a resident of the property. This also includes all similar sales activities such as "yard sales", "garage sales", "moving sale", and "community sale”.
Vendor Book: A notebook of original documents, supplied by the director which must accompany a point of sale license for site specific vending activity.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.01.04 (2026)
47.02.01.04 PolicyLinkCopy Citation
4.0 It is the policy of the Department of Permitting Services to require a revocable license and a revocable permit, subject to review and conditions, for every vendor operation; and in certain situations to require an approved supplemental vendor book.
4.1 Point of Sale License
(a)
An original point of sale license must be produced to anyone upon request. Where the display of the original license is impractical, the license number must be displayed in a permanent manner at every location where vendor activity is conducted, except for door-to-door in which case the license number must be shown on the operator permit.
(b)
A point of sale license must contain:
(1)
the name of the vendor
(2)
the home or business address of the vendor; a P.O. Box is not a sufficient address
(3)
all applicable approvals
(4)
a license number issued by the director
(5)
the authorized location of the vending operation
(6)
hours of operation including days of week at each location
(7)
expiration date
(8)
other information which the director determines is necessary for the identification of the vendor business.
(c)
An application for a point of sale license may be obtained from the director.
4.2 Operator Permit
(a)
An original operator permit must be carried on the person of every individual engaged in vending activity in the County. All vendors and operators engaged in door-to-door vending must wear the operator permit in plain view.
(b)
An operator permit must contain:
(1)
a color photograph of the operator
(2)
the operators home address
(3)
an indication that the operator is a minor, if applicable
(4)
an indication that the operator is a direct supervisor, if applicable
(5)
any restrictions which pertain to the operator’s vendor activity
(6)
other information which the director decides is necessary for the identification of the operator.
(c)
An application for an operator permit may be obtained from the director.
4.3 Vendor Book
(a)
A vendor book is a notebook of original documents supplied by the director which must accompany a point of sale license for site specific vending activity.
(b)
The vendor book must contain:
(1)
a scaled plan of the site which shows where the vendor is to be located,
(2)
an Agricultural Producer Certificate issued by the Department of Permitting Services, if applicable,
(3)
a schedule of the days of the week and hours of the operation of the vending activity,
(4)
a list of the categories of items to be sold,
(5)
a statement signed by the vendor that indicates that the vendor understands the conditions applicable to the specific vending activity. This statement must be in English and may include a translation into another language.
(c)
All documents in the book must bear an official departmental stamp that each item has been approved.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.01.05 (2026)
47.02.01.05 ProceduresLinkCopy Citation
5.0 Generally
(a)
Staff must determine whether the operation is a vending activity.
(b)
Applicants must provide proof of date of birth, address, proof of ownership of the site or written permission of owner/agent.
(c)
Applicant must submit a plan of the site showing structures, green area, tabulated parking, and the proposed location of the vendor operation indicating distances from roads, intersections, and driveways.
(d)
Parking must comply with relevant parking standards.
(e)
In reviewing an application, staff may request additional information regarding the vendor operation and site.
5.1 Licenses and Permits
The director must administer the issuance of licenses and permits in conformance with the following procedures.
(a)
For a point of sale license:
(1)
the applicant must complete and submit an application packet with a check for a nonrefundable application fee and a separate check for the license fee.
(2)
upon determination that the use is permitted by right, or a special exception has been granted, the application will be reviewed for completeness. The applicant must sign an affidavit indicating that the rules and procedures for their specific vending activity have been read and are understood. This affidavit must be in English and may include a translation into another language.
(3)
if a Certified Agricultural Producer wishes to be a site specific vendor in the public right-of-way, the applicant must submit proof that they possess liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 and sign a statement of indemnification holding Montgomery County harmless against any claim of liability.
(4)
upon determination that a special exception is required, but has not been obtained, staff will refer the applicant to the Board of Appeals for information concerning application procedures for special exceptions.
(5)
upon determination that the use is not permitted, staff will deny the application; the application and the nonrefundable application fee will be retained by the director and the license fee will be returned to the applicant.
(6)
following verification that the application is complete, in accordance with 5.1 (a)(2) of this regulation, staff will note the zone classification, the appropriate zoning book reference, and the date, and indicate that it is approved by initialing it.
(7)
staff will enter the required data into the computer.
(8)
staff will determine the need for other review requirements and forward the paperwork, data, or both to the appropriate person, agency, or both for review. At this time the license fee becomes nonrefundable.
(9)
when all approvals are received, the application will be forwarded to the director for final review and signature.
(10)
when the director has signed the application, the applicant is notified to appear in person to receive the license.
(11)
when the applicant appears to receive the license, staff must discuss the conditions and limitations of the license. The applicant will be required to sign a statement verifying an understanding of the specific rules of their operation. This statement must be in English and may include a translation into another language. Applicant will be made aware of scheduled optional orientation sessions at which arrangements may be made for translators, if necessary.
(12)
staff must enter the approval date of the license into the computer as the issuance date.
(b)
For an operator permit:
(1)
the applicant must complete an application and submit the application, and a check for the operator license fee.
(2)
staff will check the application for completeness.
(3)
staff will verity applicant's date of birth, address, and vendor information from available identification.
(4)
staff will note on the operator permit that the applicant is a minor, if appropriate, and will note applicable restrictions on the license, including the requirement to obtain a State of Maryland work permit.
(5)
if the applicant is a direct supervisor of other vending operators, staff will make the appropriate notation on the permit. A vendor must not supervise more than 6 operators and each operator must have a permit.
(6)
the point of sale license number must be noted on the operators permit.
(7)
application information will be entered in the computer.
(8)
the applicant will sign the permit, the applicant's picture will be affixed to the permit, and the permit will be laminated and issued to the operator.
5.2 Plan Review
The director must review an application and a plan of the site for any site specific vending activity as follows:
(a)
if the vending activity is on private property, staff must review the following, as applicable:
(1)
the existing use(s) on the site
(2)
the gross floor area of existing uses
(3)
the parking spaces required for existing uses
(4)
the actual parking spaces provided
(5)
whether an excess of parking spaces exists
(6)
the vendor preparation, display, sales, and patron area in square feet. This is considered the area occupied by the vending activity
(7)
the number of parking spaces required for the vending activity
(8)
the location of the vending activity in relation to required green area and required parking spaces
(9)
whether the vending activity involves goods or services that are the same as a nearby use
(10)
whether the vending activity is appropriate for the site, considering factors such as its proximity to a school, place of worship, another use offering the same goods or services, and the hours of operation
(11)
that the distance from the centerline of the entrance or exit is at least 100 feet from an intersection or traffic control device.
(12)
the presence of a dedicated entrance and exit at least 22 feet wide
(13)
that the vending operation is of adequate size, located, and used in a manner that:
(A)
provides safe ingress and egress
(B)
does not impede traffic
(C)
does not endanger the vendor, the vendor’s customers, or the general public
(14)
that the centerline of the entrance or exit provides a 500 feet visible site line in both directions for a road with a posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour or greater; and, 350 feet for a road with a posted speed limit of less than 40 miles per hour. The determination of a visible site distance is made from a point on the centerline of the entrance or exit, 6 feet away from the nearest travel lane of the road, and must provide an unobstructed view of the road lane which is traveling toward the site.
(15)
that the vendor area is set back at least 20 feet from the nearest travelled edge of a road with a posted speed of 41 to 50 miles per hour; and, 12 feet from the traveled edge of a roadway with a posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour or less; or, the setbacks of the zone, whichever is greater.
(16)
that no other vendor is approved for the same location at the same time and day.
(b)
if the vending activity is on a public right-of-way, staff must also determine:
(1)
that the vending area is at least 6 feet from the nearest edge of the roadway.
(2)
that the vending area is 100 feet from an intersection or driveway for a shopping center
(3)
that the vending area is 500 feet from any school, unless the director and the school principal have given written permission for the vendor to be located closer
(4)
that parking spaces are adequate and do not interfere with the flow of traffic
(5)
that adequate space exists to park without obstructing the roadway or any portion of the roadway
(6)
that the vending activity does not occur on a public sidewalk
(7)
that the road has a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour or less.
(c)
if the plan of the site is approved, staff must:
(1)
stamp “APPROVED” on the plan, and sign and date the approval
(2)
record the approval in the computer, noting the exact location
(3)
prepare the vendor book to include a copy of the plan with sufficient detail to provide the location of the vending activity and to allow for easy determination that the vendor is at the proper location within the site. Multiple documents may be required, such as a vicinity map, key plan, or detail section. These documents must be placed in the vendor book on 8 ½ by 11 inch paper.
(4)
retain a copy of the plan and supporting documentation
(d)
if the plan of the site is denied, staff must:
(1)
stamp “DENIED” on the plan, sign, and date the denial
(2)
contact the applicant and provide an explanation for the denial and advise the corrective measures, if applicable
(a)
Generally
(1)
Vendors must comply with the requirements of Chapter 47 of the Montgomery County Code, and this Executive Regulation.
(2)
Any operator who is a minor must be under the direct supervision of a vendor or adult operator.
(3)
All vendors must comply with all other laws, ordinances, and regulations that affect their activity. For example, a mobile food vendor must have a vendor license, a vendor operator permit, a mobile food service permit, and must obey all traffic regulations such as no parking or no standing, etc.
(4)
All vendors must provide trash receptacles at the site of their vending activity, and are responsible for maintaining a clean vending area.
(5)
Any vehicle used in the vending activity must have permanent registration, current tags, and valid insurance.
(6)
A vending activity must not interfere with a traffic control device or obstruct the visibility of a traffic control device.
(7)
A vendor must not be located on a sidewalk in the public right-of-way. If the vendor is located on a sidewalk, bikeway, or pedestrian path on private property, they must maintain an unobstructed passage that is at least 5 feet wide.
(8)
A vendor must not alter or attempt to alter vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow.
(9)
A vendor that causes damage to a public right-of-way must repair the damage at no cost to the County. Failure to make the necessary repairs may result in the suspension of the point of sale license until the repairs are completed, or failing completion of the repairs all vendor permits and licenses may be revoked.
(b)
Door-to-Door
In addition to these general regulations, a vendor engaged in the following type of vending activity must also comply with the specific standards for this type.
(1)
A vendor engaged in door-to-door vending activity must wear the operator permit in plain view. The point of sale license number must appear on the operator permit.
(2)
The door-to-door vendor must use the obvious main entrance as the contact route. A door-to-door vendor must not use other contact points such as rear doors, patios, or decks.
(3)
A door-to-door vendor must not enter any property which has been posted to prevent his entry such as "no trespassing" or "no solicitors", or has a locked gate.
(c)
Regular Route
In addition to these general regulations, a vendor engaged in the following type of vending activity must also comply with the specific standards for this type.
(1)
A vendor engaged in regular route vending must display the Point of Sale License in full view of patrons.
(2)
If the street upon which the vending activity occurs has a marked centerline, the vendor must maintain at least 12 feet of unobstructed travel way in each direction.
(3)
The regular route vendor must pull as close to the right hand edge of the roadway as possible when stopping to conduct vending activities.
(4)
All sound making devices such as horns, bells, and whistles must comply with the requirements of the Noise Ordinance, Chapter 31B of the Montgomery County Code.
(5)
A regular route vendor must stop only when conducting a vending activity or to obey a traffic regulation. The Director, in order to enhance traffic and safety conditions, may approve a Certified Agricultural Producer, Regular Route Vendor to conduct marketing from a parking facility provided that:
(A)
the parking facility is in existence and permitted by right;
(B)
the parking facility has at least 25 parking spaces available for the vending activity;
(C)
the applicant does not operate the vending activity from this location for two or more consecutive days;
(D)
the applicant complies with the regulations for a site specific vendor; and
(E)
the vendor visits multiple sites during a one-week period.
(6)
A regular route vendor must not conduct a vending activity less than 100 feet away from a school bus stop within 10 minutes of the scheduled bus arrival time.
(7)
A regular route vendor must not conduct a vending activity on any roadway, or within 50 feet of any intersection with a roadway, that has more than 2 lanes of travel in a single direction.
(d)
Site Specific
In addition to these general regulations, a vendor engaged in the following type of vending activity must also comply with the specific standards for this type.
(1)
A site specific vendor is approved for a location at certain hours and days of the week.
(2)
The vendor must adhere to the restrictions listed in the vendor book for that location.
(3)
In the event that the director has approved a location which is subsequently determined to be unsafe, through no fault of the vendor, the director will assist in relocating the vendor at no additional charge. For example, if the director approves a vendor for a location which is subsequently determined to be unsafe, the director will help find a new, acceptable location and amend the vendor book without an additional charge to the vendor.
(4)
If the site specific approval is for a certified agricultural producer in the public right-of-way, a sign must be posted on the same side of the road as follows:
(A)
the sign must face traffic traveling on the same side of the street as the vending site, and must precede the site
(B)
the sign must be placed 6 feet from the nearest travelled lane of the road
(C)
the sign must read "ROADSIDE VENDOR AHEAD"
(D)
if the posted speed of the road is 40 to 50 miles per hour the sign must be placed 700 feet before the site. If the posted speed limit is less than 40 miles per hour the sign must be 500 feet before the site.
(5)
It the site specific vendor is located on private property, the placement of a sign is regulated by the Sign Ordinance, Article 59-F of the Montgomery County Code.
(6)
A site specific vendor must not infringe on any part of the travelled portion of a road.
(e)
Future Delivery
In addition to these general regulations, a vendor engaged in the following type of vending activity must also comply with the specific standards for this type.
(1)
Future delivery is a vending activity, which as a condition of the vending activity solicits orders for the sale of goods or services and provides for the delivery of the goods or services at a future date.
(2)
A performance bond must be posted for future delivery vendors
5.4 Violations and Penalties.
(a)
Upon identification of a violation of the vendor law or this Executive Regulation, enforcement personnel may issue a warning or civil citation.
(b)
When a citation is issued enforcement personnel must confiscate the point of sale license and issue a temporary point of sale license in accordance with the following:
(1)
Enforcement personnel must complete the required information on the temporary license and designate the expiration date, which will be 90 days after issuance of the temporary license
(2)
The original point of sale license and a copy of the temporary license must be forwarded to the director along with the normal distribution of copies of the citation.
(3)
If the vendor pays the fine and appears in person with proof of payment, the director may return the point of sale license
(4)
If the citation is adjudicated in a court of competent jurisdiction, the vendor must appear in person with proof of the disposition of the citation before the director may return the point of sale license
(5)
If the vendor does not pay the fine and does not adjudicate the violation in a court of competent jurisdiction, the point of sale license will be revoked.
(c)
The revocation of a vendor operator permit or point of sale license must be for one year from the date of revocation. The director must not approve an application by the same vendor during a revocation period.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.01.06 (2026)
47.02.01.06 ImplementationLinkCopy Citation
6.0 The director is responsible for the creation, installation, coordination, and monitoring of the hardware, software, and processes which are necessary to provide interactive communication among the agencies involved in vendor regulation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.01.07 (2026)
47.02.01.07 SeverabilityLinkCopy Citation
7.0 The provisions of these regulations are severable. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that a provision is invalid or inapplicable, the remainder of the regulation remains in effect.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.01.08 (2026)
47.02.01.08 Effective DateLinkCopy Citation
8.0 This regulation takes effect upon approval by County Council.
COMCOR 47.02.02 Certification of Agricultural ProducersLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.02.01 (2026)
47.02.02.01 PurposeLinkCopy Citation
This regulation establishes a certification process for Agricultural Producers who are vendors pursuant to Chapter 47 of the Montgomery County Code 1994, as amended.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.02.02 (2026)
47.02.02.02 ApplicabilityLinkCopy Citation
This regulation applies to certified producers as described in Chapter 47 of the Montgomery County Code, and to the verification and certification process associated with these producers.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.02.03 (2026)
47.02.02.03 PolicyLinkCopy Citation
3.0 It is the policy of the Department of Permitting Services to require that agricultural producers who wish to sell in the public right-of-way be a Certified Agricultural Producer of regionally grown products. Regionally grown products are those produced within the five state area of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania and the city of Washington, DC. A Certified Agricultural Producer must comply with the following requirements.
(a)
A Certified Agricultural Producer must sell only fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, small trees, or plants produced by the Agricultural Producer.
(b)
A Certified Agricultural Producer may sell non-potentially hazardous prepackaged goods and eggs. These products must be approved by the Montgomery County Health Department.
(c)
A point of sale license must be obtained before operating.
(d)
Regionally grown products must be sold only by the agricultural producer or a representative of the agricultural producer.
(e)
A Certified Agricultural Producer must be responsible for the conduct of anyone operating under a Point of Sale License issued by the Department of Permitting Services.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.02.04 (2026)
47.02.02.04 ProceduresLinkCopy Citation
4.0 Certification
(a)
Agricultural Producers will apply for certification as follows:
(1)
complete an application and survey for Montgomery County Certified Agricultural Producer and submit them to the Department of Permitting Services with a check for the application fee. The application packet is available at the Office of Vendor Licensing and Review, Department of Permitting Services;
(2)
provide a description of the location from which the producer wishes to sell the products;
(3)
provide a map showing the location of the vending site; and
(4)
provide other documentation from local agricultural agencies, such as the Agricultural Extension Service, the Soil Conservation Service, or Agricultural Cooperative, as necessary to determine that the seller is also the producer of the products being sold.
(b)
Staff will review the application and survey forms to determine:
(1)
that the applicant farms and produces the products to be sold; and
(2)
that the applicant will sell only authorized products.
(c)
An authorized agent of the Montgomery County Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Montgomery County Farmer's Market Association, the Cooperative Extension Agent, or the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services may inspect the farm and growing locations to verify farming activities.
(d)
If the review of the application results in an approval, staff will:
(1)
note on the application "APPROVED", and sign and date the application,
(2)
instruct the applicant to apply for a Point of Sale License from the Department of Permitting Services if the applicant has not already done so,
(3)
record the approval in the computer on the appropriate screens, and
(4)
issue a Certified Agricultural Producer certificate.
(e)
If the review of the application results in a denial, staff will:
(1)
note on the application "DENIED", and sign and date the application, and
(2)
inform the applicant of the denial and the reasons for the denial,
(3)
record the denial in the computer.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.02.05 (2026)
47.02.02.05 FeesLinkCopy Citation
5.0 The application fee which includes the cost of the inspection, if any, and issuance of an Agricultural Producer Certificate is $25.00 for agricultural producers certified by the Department of Permitting Services for membership in the Montgomery County Farmers' Market Association and $100 for all other agricultural producers.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.02.06 (2026)
47.02.02.06 SeverabilityLinkCopy Citation
6.0 The provisions of these regulations are severable. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that a provision is invalid or inapplicable, the remainder of the regulation remains in effect.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.02.07 (2026)
47.02.02.07 Effective DateLinkCopy Citation
7.0 This regulation takes effect upon approval by County Council.
COMCOR 47.02.03 Sidewalk Vendor Operation and LicenseLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.01 (2026)
47.02.03.01 PurposeLinkCopy Citation
This regulation establishes a licensing process for sidewalk sales and sidewalk vendor operations as noted in section 47-1 of the Montgomery County Code as amended.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.02 (2026)
47.02.03.02 ApplicabilityLinkCopy Citation
This regulation applies to any individual who seeks to vend in the Central Business District using a pushcart or other slow-moving vehicle with functional wheels that is no larger than three (3) feet by seven (7) feet and from which the operator dispenses food, drink, or retail goods.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.03 (2026)
47.02.03.03 DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
For the purposes of this regulation, the following words and phrases have the meaning indicated. Word and phrases defined and used in Chapters 47 and 59 of the Montgomery County Code have the meaning indicated in those Chapters.
Block Face: One(1) side of a segment of a street that does not extend beyond any intersection with another street, or portion thereof.
Sidewalk: Those areas legally open to the public for use as a pedestrian walkway between the curb and the edge of the public right-of-way.
Sidewalk Vendor: Any person who sells, offers to sell, or solicits orders for any goods (including perishable foods) or services from a sidewalk vending cart.
Sidewalk Vending Cart: A pushcart or other slow moving vehicle meeting all the requirements of Chapter 47 of the Montgomery County Code for the conducting of business in the Central Business District of Montgomery County.
Sidewalk Vendor License: A license that permits sales of goods from a sidewalk vending cart, either moving or located in a stationary location in the public right of way in the Central Business District.
Sidewalk Vending Cart Sales: A type of vending activity that includes selling of goods or services from a sidewalk vending cart that is located either on a sidewalk or in the public right of way.
Vendor Book: A notebook of documents supplied by the Department of Permitting Services which must accompany a sidewalk vendor license for sidewalk vending activity.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.04 (2026)
47.02.03.04 PolicyLinkCopy Citation
It is unlawful for any person to engage in the business of sidewalk vending without first obtaining a revocable license from the Department of Permitting Services, subject to review and conditions, for every vendor operation; and in certain situations to require an approved supplemental vendor book.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.05 (2026)
47.02.03.05 ProceduresLinkCopy Citation
5.0 Application for Sidewalk Vendor License
Application to vend from a sidewalk or public right of way in the Central Business District shall be made to the Department of Permitting Services on the accepted application. The application shall require the following:
a) correct legal name, present address and telephone number of the applicant;
b) type of goods or services to be sold;
c) copies of all permits required by state and local health authorities;
d) signed indemnity form;
e) description of sidewalk vending cart including dimensions;
f) a diagram showing the proposed area including distances from the sidewalk vending cart to the street, intersections, businesses, street cafes, pedestrian walkway. Applicant must allow for an show a minimum of five (5) feet of pedestrian walkway on the sidewalk for customers;
g) submit proof that they possess liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 and sign a statement holding Montgomery County harmless against any claim of liability;
h) payment of a fee as determined by the Department and detailed by regulation;
i) post a bond to cover the cost of any removal of abandoned sidewalk vending cart, damage to or clean-up of public property.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.06 (2026)
47.02.03.06 Vendor Site Selection ProcessLinkCopy Citation
No more than one (1) vending licenses shall be issued for every five (5) acres of land in each Central Business District.
No more than one (1) sidewalk vendor shall be allowed to locate within each three hundred (300) feet of block face.
One (1) time priority will be granted to applicants possessing regular route vending licenses in the Central Business District on the effective date of these regulations.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.07 (2026)
47.02.03.07 Trash Removal and Clean UpLinkCopy Citation
During the period of vending, licensees are responsible for keeping the sidewalk within fifteen (15) feet of their sidewalk vending cart clean of trash generated by their vending operations, and for cleaning the sidewalk in the area occupied by their stand.
Licensees must take with them at the end of each day, all trash, little, garbage, refuse and waste, including but not limited to cooking liquids, water, ice, paper, cardboard, wood or plastic containers, wrappers, or any litter in any form which is deposited by any person within a fifty (50) foot radius of the vending area. No licensee may place or deposit any trash, liter, garbage, refuse or any other wastes generated by his or her licensed operations on the sidewalk, in any public receptacle, or on any private property without the express permission of the property owner.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.08 (2026)
47.02.03.08 Stand DesignLinkCopy Citation
The design standards are regulations that address the dimension, structural materials, mobility and other design aspects of the sidewalk vending carts, with the purpose of protecting public safety and ensuring the sidewalk vending carts are placed on the public right-of-way are maintained in a neat, clean and orderly fashion and ensure that all sidewalk vending carts:
a) not exceed three (3) feet in width by seven (7) feet in length including any hitch, and not exceed a height of five (5) feet excluding canopies or umbrellas which must be a minimum of seven (7) feet above the sidewalk. Umbrellas and canopies shall not exceed 28 square feet in area;
b) be on wheels;
c) be of light weight construction so that it can be moved from place to place by one (1) adult person with no auxiliary power;
d) not be motorized so as to move on its own power;
e) be capable of transporting all vendor’s wares such that the vendor can set up and break down the sidewalk vending cart without placing any objects on the sidewalk or street beyond two (2) feet of the edge of the cart;
f) be of durable easy to clean materials;
g) have advertising and other signage limited to the name of the sidewalk vending cart or listing of items sold and price in lettering not larger than two (2) inches;
h) have no amplified sound.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.09 (2026)
47.02.03.09 Location RequirementsLinkCopy Citation
Sidewalk vendors must not locate in or obstruct the travel lane of a public right-of-way, the pedestrian area of the sidewalk, or bike lanes at any time.
No person may conduct business from a sidewalk vending cart in any of the following places:
a) within twenty (20) feet of the intersection of the sidewalk with any other sidewalk or mid- block crossing;
b) any location which would reduce the clear, continuous sidewalk width to less than five (5) feet;
c) within five (5) feet of any imaginary perpendicular line running from any building entrance or doorway to the curb line;
d) within five (5) feet of any handicapped parking space, or access ramp;
e) within twenty (20) feet of any bus stop or METRO entrance or exit;
f) within three (3) feet of benches, planters or trees;
g) within twenty (20) feet of sidewalk cafes;
h) within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant;
i) vend using the surface of the sidewalk or on a blanket or board placed immediately on the sidewalk or on top of a trash receptacle or cardboard boxes to display merchandise;
j) sell or offer for sale any item directly from any parked or double parked motor vehicle;
k) sell within the boundaries of a right-of-way street closure approved and permitted by the County or the State.
Sidewalk vendors must:
a) display sidewalk vendor license prominently and each operator must wear his or her operator identification card visible to the public;
b) keep the area within fifteen (15) feet of the location where the vendor is located free from all litter and debris arising from the operations including the litter which arises from action of customers in disposing of wrapping or packing materials of merchandise sold by the vendor during the period of vending;
c) ensure pedestrian traffic walkway of five (5) feet is maintained when large numbers of potential customers gather to view merchandise and must be sure clear and courteous passage is made possible for the public.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.10 (2026)
47.02.03.10 HoursLinkCopy Citation
Hours of operation will be limited to the hours of 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. All sidewalk vending carts must be removed along with all trash from the vending location on a daily basis. Loading and unloading of merchandise must comply with all traffic regulations and cannot exceed fifteen (15) minutes.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 47.02.03.11 (2026)
47.02.03.11 SeverabilityLinkCopy Citation
The provisions of these regulations are severable. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that a provision is invalid or inapplicable, the remainder of the regulation remains in effect.