# Vendor event permits in Billings, MT

To run a vendor market in Billings, an organizer files a Special Event and Right of Way Permit application with Public Works Engineering at least 60 days ahead. Every vendor needs a City of Billings business license, Montana has no general sales tax, and food booths need a temporary food service license from RiverStone Health.

_Sources checked 2026-10-11. Not legal or tax advice; confirm with each agency._

## For the organizer: Event permit

### Special Event and Right of Way Permit
Completed application packets are turned in at the Public Works Engineering office for approval and processing. Ask the office whether a private-property market needs the permit.
- Who: organizer
- From: City of Billings Public Works, Engineering Division
- When: Events needing a Special Event and Right of Way permit; block parties use a separate process. The page does not list size or location thresholds.
- Fee: $100 filing fee
- Timing: Turn in the packet at least 60 days before the event
- Official page: https://www.billingsmt.gov/217/Contractor-Engineering-Services

## For vendors: Vendor and business licenses

### City of Billings business license
Billings requires a license before business begins, with an annual tax paid per business and location. Operating without one can bring penalties and citations. A temporary license receipt is issued once the application and payment are complete. The page states no one-day or event rate.
- Who: vendors
- From: City of Billings Finance Department
- When: Anyone conducting business in Billings, even if based outside the city or licensed by another city
- Official page: https://www.billingsmt.gov/981/Business-Licenses

## For vendors: Sales tax

### No general state sales tax
The Department of Revenue states that Montana does not have a general-use sales tax, so there is no state sales tax permit for market vendors. A local resort tax of up to 3% applies in designated resort areas to lodging, restaurants, bars and certain recreational facilities.
- Who: vendors
- From: Montana Department of Revenue
- When: Selling goods at a market or event in Montana
- Official page: https://revenue.mt.gov/taxes/general-sales-tax

## For vendors: Food vendors

### Temporary food service license
Each event coordinator submits an application, and the coordinator must make sure every food vendor meets the minimum requirements. RiverStone inspects during the event and publishes a vendor guidelines sheet, a handsink guide and a farmers market guide.
- Who: organizer and vendors
- From: RiverStone Health (Yellowstone City-County Health Department)
- When: Special events, farmers markets and bake sales operating at a fixed location up to 21 days for a single event
- Timing: Coordinator application at least seven days before the event
- Official page: https://riverstonehealth.org/inspections-permits/temporary-food-service/

## Where the sources are unclear

- The Public Works permit packet linked from the page is a scanned PDF and could not be read, so insurance, vendor and fire details of the permit are not recorded.
- A November 2014 draft of the application inside a city agenda item refers vendors to RiverStone Health and mentions fire extinguisher rules, but it is a draft and is not cited.
- RiverStone Health lists 406.256.2770 for environmental health; its application packet fees were not read.
- Because Montana has no general sales tax, there is no state promoter duty about vendor sales tax; local resort tax rules apply only in designated resort areas.
- Check the market itself for stricter rules; the DPHHS guidance says markets may require vendors to be licensed or permitted even where state law does not.

## Questions

**Do I need a permit to host a vendor market in Billings?**

Special Event and Right of Way Permit (City of Billings Public Works, Engineering Division): Completed application packets are turned in at the Public Works Engineering office for approval and processing. Ask the office whether a private-property market needs the permit.

**Do vendors need a license to sell at events in Billings?**

City of Billings business license (City of Billings Finance Department): Billings requires a license before business begins, with an annual tax paid per business and location. Operating without one can bring penalties and citations. A temporary license receipt is issued once the application and payment are complete. The page states no one-day or event rate.

**Who handles sales tax at a market in Billings?**

No general state sales tax (Montana Department of Revenue): The Department of Revenue states that Montana does not have a general-use sales tax, so there is no state sales tax permit for market vendors. A local resort tax of up to 3% applies in designated resort areas to lodging, restaurants, bars and certain recreational facilities.

**Do food vendors need a separate permit in Billings?**

Temporary food service license (RiverStone Health (Yellowstone City-County Health Department)): Each event coordinator submits an application, and the coordinator must make sure every food vendor meets the minimum requirements. RiverStone inspects during the event and publishes a vendor guidelines sheet, a handsink guide and a farmers market guide.

**How far ahead should I apply in Billings?**

Special Event and Right of Way Permit: Turn in the packet at least 60 days before the event Temporary food service license: Coordinator application at least seven days before the event

## Sources

- https://www.billingsmt.gov/217/Contractor-Engineering-Services
- https://www.billingsmt.gov/981/Business-Licenses
- https://revenue.mt.gov/taxes/general-sales-tax
- https://revenue.mt.gov/taxes/miscellaneous/local-resort-tax
- https://riverstonehealth.org/inspections-permits/temporary-food-service/

All cities: https://bzar.app/permits