Running a vendor market in Yonkers.
In Yonkers, NY, organizers file a $50 Special Event Application with the Parks Department at least 60 days ahead for review by the city's Special Events Review Committee. Vendors apply to the Consumer Protection Bureau (the daily special-event form lists $50 per day), food vendors need a Westchester County permit, and sellers need a New York Certificate of Authority.
Updated
Event permit.
Special Event Permit
Organizers download and file the Special Event Application with the Parks Department; an electronic copy is not complete until the original, fees and documents arrive. The Special Events Division then books an appointment and sends the application to the Special Events Review Committee (SERC), which includes Police, Fire, Public Works and Consumer Protection. Do not promote the event before approval.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation (Special Events Division)
- When
- Preplanned gatherings or activities on public or private streets, parks or buildings that disrupt normal pedestrian or vehicle flow or take over a space from general public use
- Fee
- $50 application fee; costs for city services such as police and fire set at the SERC meeting
- Timing
- Apply at least 60 days ahead; approval takes about one to two months
Vendor and business licenses.
Daily Vendor Application (special event) and food vendor applications
The Daily Special Event Vendor application requires a signed application, NYS Certificate of Authority, a Westchester County Health Department permit for food, insurance proof where it applies, a police affidavit and a Fire Department inspection for on-site cooking. It also lists workers' compensation proof.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau
- When
- Vendors selling at special events in Yonkers; the city lists separate daily and seasonal special-event vendor forms and food vendor forms
- Fee
- $50 per day, non-refundable
Sales tax.
Certificate of Authority (regular)
Show and entertainment vendors must get a regular Certificate of Authority; a temporary certificate is not available to them and the separate show-vendor certificate was discontinued. Apply online through New York Business Express.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
- When
- Anyone making taxable sales in New York, including at craft shows, flea markets and other shows, even if sales are occasional
- Timing
- Register at least 20 days before you begin business
Show promoter permit (Form DTF-723) for four or more shows a year
Promoters in that group must register and display a Permit to Operate a Show at the entrance, and report each show afterward. Fewer than four shows a year means no state promoter registration.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
- When
- Organizers who operate four or more shows in a calendar year, or lease space to others who do. Flea markets, craft shows, antique shows and fairs with more than one vendor selling taxable goods count as shows. A show is one event of up to seven consecutive days.
- Timing
- File at least 10 days before the fourth show opens
Food vendors.
Temporary Food Service permit
The county health department lists a Temporary Food Service Application Form, available by emailing the department, and says its sanitary code governs food service. State guidance also says a temporary food service permit is obtained from the local health department.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Westchester County Department of Health (Bureau of Public Health Protection, food program)
- When
- Food vendors at festivals, fairs and other temporary events in Westchester County; the county page does not name Yonkers, so confirm coverage for events inside Yonkers
What the rules ask of organizers about vendors.
New York State bars a show promoter from letting anyone sell taxable goods at a show unless the seller is registered with the Tax Department, and requires the promoter to make sure each vendor displays a valid Certificate of Authority. Starting with the fourth show a year, promoters must keep each vendor's name, address, certificate number and rent paid for three years and file Form DTF-727 after each show.
When to apply.
- Special Event Permit: Apply at least 60 days ahead; approval takes about one to two months
- Certificate of Authority (regular): Register at least 20 days before you begin business
- Show promoter permit (Form DTF-723) for four or more shows a year: File at least 10 days before the fourth show opens
Collect the paperwork with each application.
Ask vendors for their sales tax registration, business license, food permit and insurance certificate as required documents on your application form, so you can check them before you approve anyone. Booth fees, tickets and day-of check-in run from the same dashboard.
Selling at markets in Yonkers, NY?
The vendor license, sales tax and food permits above are yours to get before the event; the organizer will usually ask for copies with your application. On bzar you apply to markets and pay booth fees by card in one place, and keep your licenses, permits and insurance certificates on file to reuse on every application. Free for vendors. Join bzar free or read how to become a market vendor.
Where the sources are unclear.
- The Westchester temporary food application and fee schedule could not be read (the 2025 application PDF has been removed); ask the Westchester County Department of Health, (914) 813-5000, for the fee and lead time.
- Westchester's food page says the county health department inspects food service establishments throughout Westchester County but does not mention Yonkers by name.
- Yonkers' seasonal special-event vendor forms and its separate General Vendor application were not read; only page 1 of the Daily Special Event Vendor PDF was viewed, and whether the organizer or each vendor applies is unclear, so ask the Consumer Protection Bureau at 914-377-6808. Special Events Division: 914-377-6436.
Common questions.
Do I need a permit to host a vendor market in Yonkers?
Special Event Permit (City of Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation (Special Events Division)): Organizers download and file the Special Event Application with the Parks Department; an electronic copy is not complete until the original, fees and documents arrive. The Special Events Division then books an appointment and sends the application to the Special Events Review Committee (SERC), which includes Police, Fire, Public Works and Consumer Protection. Do not promote the event before approval.
Do vendors need a license to sell at events in Yonkers?
Daily Vendor Application (special event) and food vendor applications (City of Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau): The Daily Special Event Vendor application requires a signed application, NYS Certificate of Authority, a Westchester County Health Department permit for food, insurance proof where it applies, a police affidavit and a Fire Department inspection for on-site cooking. It also lists workers' compensation proof.
Who handles sales tax at a market in Yonkers?
Certificate of Authority (regular) (New York State Department of Taxation and Finance): Show and entertainment vendors must get a regular Certificate of Authority; a temporary certificate is not available to them and the separate show-vendor certificate was discontinued. Apply online through New York Business Express. Show promoter permit (Form DTF-723) for four or more shows a year (New York State Department of Taxation and Finance): Promoters in that group must register and display a Permit to Operate a Show at the entrance, and report each show afterward. Fewer than four shows a year means no state promoter registration. For organizers: New York State bars a show promoter from letting anyone sell taxable goods at a show unless the seller is registered with the Tax Department, and requires the promoter to make sure each vendor displays a valid Certificate of Authority. Starting with the fourth show a year, promoters must keep each vendor's name, address, certificate number and rent paid for three years and file Form DTF-727 after each show.
Do food vendors need a separate permit in Yonkers?
Temporary Food Service permit (Westchester County Department of Health (Bureau of Public Health Protection, food program)): The county health department lists a Temporary Food Service Application Form, available by emailing the department, and says its sanitary code governs food service. State guidance also says a temporary food service permit is obtained from the local health department.
How far ahead should I apply in Yonkers?
Special Event Permit: Apply at least 60 days ahead; approval takes about one to two months Certificate of Authority (regular): Register at least 20 days before you begin business Show promoter permit (Form DTF-723) for four or more shows a year: File at least 10 days before the fourth show opens
Keep reading.
Sources.
This page summarizes official government sources and isn't legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm with each agency before you apply.
Special events contact: Yonkers Special Events Division, 914-377-6436
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages, checked on 2026-10-11. Details change; tell us at hello@bzar.app if something here is out of date.
- https://www.yonkersny.gov/m/faq?cat=45
- https://www.yonkersny.gov/437/Special-Event-Permits
- https://www.yonkersny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16590
- https://www.yonkersny.gov/Search?searchPhrase=vendor%20license&pageNumber=1&perPage=10&departmentId=-1
- https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/tg_bulletins/st/how_to_register_for_nys_sales_tax.htm
- https://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/publications/sales/pub750.pdf
- https://health.westchestergov.com/sanitation
- https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/food_safety/event_guidance.htm
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