# Vendor event permits in Burlington, VT

To run a vendor market in a Burlington park, the organizer needs a Special Use Permit approved by the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission at least a month ahead. Street vending needs a City peddler license from the Clerk/Treasurer, food vendors need a Vermont Department of Health temporary license, and everyone needs a Vermont business tax account.

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

## For the organizer: Event permit

### Special Use Permit (parks)
Every Special Use Permit request needs Commission approval at least one month before the requested date. The Commission meets on the second Tuesday of every month (except July), and organizers work with the Department to bring the request. Permits are issued under Appendix D of the Code of Local Ordinances.
- Who: organizer
- From: City of Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department, approved by the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission
- When: Gatherings in a park open to the public, over 99 people, with vendors or amplified sound, exclusive use of a space, a fee to attend, commercial or fundraising use, or any solicitation; a General Park Permit (20 to 99 people) does not allow vendors of any kind
- Timing: Commission approval required at least one month before the requested date
- Official page: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/947/Rentals

## For the organizer: Parks and public space

### General Park Permit and picnic shelter rentals
General permits do not give exclusive use of a space and are priced by tier. A market with vendors needs the Special Use Permit instead. Picnic shelters are rented by half or full day.
- Who: organizer
- From: City of Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department
- When: Small gatherings of 20 to 99 people in a park without vendors or amplified sound; shelter rentals at Oakledge Park and North Beach
- Fee: General Park Permit: 20-39 people $30; 40-59 $55; 60-79 $80; 80-99 $110. Shelter half day $210, full day $305
- Official page: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/947/Rentals

## For the organizer: Other rules

### Vending in Parks (seasonal food and beverage carts)
Only food and beverage vendors approved through the City's online application may vend on Parks property, and unauthorized vending is prohibited.
- Who: vendors
- From: City of Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department
- When: Food and beverage carts at Starr Farm Park, Leddy Beach Park and A_Dog Skate Park from June through October; not an event vendor permit
- Fee: $100 per month and 3% of monthly gross sales
- Official page: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/1206/Vending-in-Parks

## For vendors: Vendor and business licenses

### Peddler License
Applicants submit a background check consent, a certificate of liability insurance, a Vermont Secretary of State business ID, and for food a Vermont Department of Health certificate and Burlington Gross Receipts form. The Central District is closed to new applicants, and the General District does not cover City parks or Church Street Marketplace.
- Who: vendors
- From: City of Burlington Clerk/Treasurer's Office
- When: Vending on City streets and sidewalks (General and Central Districts); at an event hosted by the Parks Department, contact Parks about license requirements instead
- Fee: General District $100/year or $15/month; Central District $300/year or $60/month; background check $45.00 per person
- Official page: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/493/Peddler-Licensing

## For vendors: Sales tax

### Business tax account and license
Vendors must have a Vermont business tax account and license before making taxable sales, and should register at least one day before the event. Vermont charges a 6% sales tax on most goods and a 9% Meals and Rooms Tax on prepared food, including sales by vendors at farmers' markets and street fairs.
- Who: vendors
- From: Vermont Department of Taxes
- When: Any vendor making taxable sales at a farmers' market, flea market, craft fair, show or exhibition, even once
- Fee: Both are free.
- Timing: Register for a tax account at least one day before the event.
- Official page: https://tax.vermont.gov/business/industry/event-organizers-and-vendors

## For vendors: Food vendors

### Temporary Food Service License
The state Department of Health issues temporary food service licenses, with a separate license needed for each food stand. A single-event license covers two or three consecutive days; a calendar year license covers regular operation or events of four days or more.
- Who: vendors
- From: Vermont Department of Health (Food and Lodging Program)
- When: Food and beverage stands at festivals, fairs and farmers' markets that are set up and taken down each time
- Fee: Calendar Year License (Four Days or More) $230.00; Single Event License (Three Days or Less) $125.00
- Timing: Submit the application and fees at least 15 days before the first event.
- Official page: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/food-lodging-program/temporary-food-service-establishments

## What the rules ask of organizers about vendors

An event organizer must give the Department of Taxes a list of vendors at least one business day before an event where 25 or more vendors are expected, and send an updated list within seven days after the event if it changes. Fees charged to vendors for space are not taxable unless the fee is to rent items such as chairs or tables, and admission fees are subject to sales tax. (https://tax.vermont.gov/business/industry/event-organizers-and-vendors)

## Where the sources are unclear

- No official page found for an event or street-closure permit for non-park locations as of 2026-10-11; ask the Clerk/Treasurer's Office (802-865-7000) or Church Street Marketplace about events on streets and the Marketplace.
- No official page found for Burlington-specific fire or tent permits for events; the Fire Marshal's page read lists only fire protection system permits. Ask the Burlington Fire Department Office of the Fire Marshal.
- The Special Use Permit page does not state a fee; fees are set under Appendix D of the City's ordinances, which was not read.
- The Peddler License page says the Central District is closed to new applicants pending License Committee review and annual licenses expire May 31.

## Questions

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

Special Use Permit (parks) (City of Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department, approved by the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission): Every Special Use Permit request needs Commission approval at least one month before the requested date. The Commission meets on the second Tuesday of every month (except July), and organizers work with the Department to bring the request. Permits are issued under Appendix D of the Code of Local Ordinances. General Park Permit and picnic shelter rentals (City of Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department): General permits do not give exclusive use of a space and are priced by tier. A market with vendors needs the Special Use Permit instead. Picnic shelters are rented by half or full day.

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

Peddler License (City of Burlington Clerk/Treasurer's Office): Applicants submit a background check consent, a certificate of liability insurance, a Vermont Secretary of State business ID, and for food a Vermont Department of Health certificate and Burlington Gross Receipts form. The Central District is closed to new applicants, and the General District does not cover City parks or Church Street Marketplace.

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

Business tax account and license (Vermont Department of Taxes): Vendors must have a Vermont business tax account and license before making taxable sales, and should register at least one day before the event. Vermont charges a 6% sales tax on most goods and a 9% Meals and Rooms Tax on prepared food, including sales by vendors at farmers' markets and street fairs. For organizers: An event organizer must give the Department of Taxes a list of vendors at least one business day before an event where 25 or more vendors are expected, and send an updated list within seven days after the event if it changes. Fees charged to vendors for space are not taxable unless the fee is to rent items such as chairs or tables, and admission fees are subject to sales tax.

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

Temporary Food Service License (Vermont Department of Health (Food and Lodging Program)): The state Department of Health issues temporary food service licenses, with a separate license needed for each food stand. A single-event license covers two or three consecutive days; a calendar year license covers regular operation or events of four days or more.

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

Special Use Permit (parks): Commission approval required at least one month before the requested date Business tax account and license: Register for a tax account at least one day before the event. Temporary Food Service License: Submit the application and fees at least 15 days before the first event.

## Sources

- https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/947/Rentals
- https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/493/Peddler-Licensing
- https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/1206/Vending-in-Parks
- https://tax.vermont.gov/business/industry/event-organizers-and-vendors
- https://tax.vermont.gov/business/sales-and-use-tax
- https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/food-lodging-program/temporary-food-service-establishments

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