Running a vendor market in Minneapolis.

Commercial block event permit (City of Minneapolis Business Licenses and Consumer Services): A commercial block event needs insurance of at least $1,000,000, barricades and traffic control from an approved plan, security from an approved security plan, and a cleanup deposit. Events may run 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends and legal holidays, and alcohol, food and amplified sound need their own permits. Temporary use permit (City of Minneapolis Development Review): The city says some assembly and amusement gatherings may qualify for a temporary use permit, covering temporary structures such as community festivals and produce stands. It does not say whether an outdoor market on private property needs one, so confirm with Development Review.

Flea market license (City of Minneapolis Business Licenses and Consumer Services): The city requires a license to sell arts, crafts, antiques or secondhand goods at temporary markets. Goods sold at public or farmers markets, books, coins and stamps, and arts and crafts at block events without secondhand goods do not need it. The page does not say whether the market operator or each seller applies. Transient merchant (merchandise) license (City of Minneapolis Business Licenses and Consumer Services): Transient merchants may need a license and get an ID badge. Selling or giving away food or beverages also requires a short term food permit.

Minnesota sales tax registration and Operator Certificate of Compliance (ST19) (Minnesota Department of Revenue): Sellers must be registered to collect Minnesota sales tax and any local taxes before the event starts. Certain individuals who sell at one event per year of no more than three days with $500 or less in sales can skip registration by giving the operator a written statement. Booth space rentals are not taxable; admission to selling events is not taxable. For organizers: Minnesota law says that before an operator of a craft show, art fair, flea market or similar event rents space to a seller, the operator must have proof the seller is registered for Minnesota sales tax, or a written statement that no taxable items are sold or that the seller qualifies for the isolated and occasional exemption. Sellers use Form ST19 (Operator Certificate of Compliance). Operators keep the forms for at least three and a half years and can be fined $100 per noncompliant seller per day.

Event food sponsor permit (Minneapolis Health Department): The sponsor submits its application and all short term vendors' applications and fees together. Selling food without the permit results in closure and a fine. Short term food permit (Minneapolis Health Department): Vendors give their application to the event food sponsor, who submits it. Vendors may not need it if they hold a Minneapolis food truck license, seasonal food vendor permit, or are cottage food or product-of-the-farm exempt.

Commercial block event permit: 14 days before the event; 60 days for large events Transient merchant (merchandise) license: Apply at least 14 business days before the event Park use and events permit: Obtain the permit at least 10 days before the event; returning events may apply 365 days ahead, new events 335 days ahead Minnesota sales tax registration and Operator Certificate of Compliance (ST19): Register before the event begins Event food sponsor permit: Submit applications two weeks before the first day of the event Short term food permit: Application due at least two weeks before the event