1. Check your eligibility
You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.
UNSURE IF YOU OWE?
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Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
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Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415
2. Gather your information
You'll need liability insurance for $1,000,000. We'll ask you to upload a copy of the certificate of insurance in the online application. Don't have a copy? Don't worry. You can check the option to have your insurance agent send the certificate. Make sure to list the City of Grand Rapids on the policy as additionally insured.
Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We recommend reviewing the Downtown Vendor Checklist for more details.
3. Make sure your cart meets the requirements
Here's a look at the requirements for downtown vending carts:
- Maximum height (including canopy): 10 feet
- Maximum length: 10 feet
- Maximum width: 5 feet
- Between 2-4 functional wheels
- Litter receptacle
- Constructed of durable and easily cleaned material
- Brakes or chocks
- Detachable tongue, hitch, or handle
- Company name
- Price of all merchandise or services
- If you're selling food, you'll need a Food Permit from the Health Department (Kent County Health Department if you live in the City of Grand Rapids)
CART PHOTOS
You will need to submit pictures of your cart with your application so we can make sure it meets all cart requirements.
4. Select vending zone
We allow mobile vending carts in designated downtown vending zones. Spots in these zones are available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. See the Downtown Vending Zones(PDF, 2MB) guide for designated zones.
5. Have your payment ready
There is a $385 license application fee for the first cart and $35 for each additional cart. Application fees are non-refundable.
6. Complete the online application
We use a third party system called Citizen Access for business license applications. If this is your first time using this system, it's a good idea to learn How to Create a Citizen Access Account.
Your application might take some time. That's why we recommend that you gather all the required information first.
7. We'll review your application
It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes.
We'll call or email you to let you know that your license and vehicle decals are ready. You can either pick them up from the office or we'll mail it to you. Your license is valid through the season.
Make sure to keep a copy of the license with the cart operator. You should display your decals on each cart.
8. Renew your license
All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.
