Which permits does your market need?
Pick your city or county, tell us whether you'll have food, use public space, or set up tents and cooking, and get the permits that apply to you and your vendors, with fees, deadlines and official links. Covers 225 US cities and counties.
Updated
Tell us about your event.
Permits for your market in Ann Arbor, MI.
To run a vendor market in Ann Arbor, the organizer needs a special event permit, with applications submitted 60 working days ahead and a $34 application fee, plus a park reservation through Parks & Recreation for city parks. Food vendors need a Washtenaw County temporary food license, and vendors need a Michigan sales tax license.
Not shown, based on your answers: parks and public space, fire safety, tents and cooking, food vendors. See everything for Ann Arbor.
Event permit.
Non-competitive Special Event Permit
The application needs a detailed map with a traffic control plan, plans for parking, restrooms and refuse, and proof of insurance for events with 50 or more participants. Closing a street needs City Council approval, and some permits require Council approval anyway.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Ann Arbor Community Services (Special Events Coordinator)
- When
- Festivals, carnivals, parades and similar events with 25 or more people or vehicles in city streets, or more than 50 people using city parks or sidewalks
- Fee
- $34.00 non-refundable application fee; additional city service fees may apply
- Timing
- Submit at least 60 working days (12 weeks) before the event
Other rules.
Insurance, banners and amplified sound
Events expecting 50 or more participants need liability insurance naming the city, at least $500,000 if any part is in a street open to traffic. Banners need a Clerk banner permit, and a temporary exemption from sound limits needs at least 5 business days for review.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Ann Arbor (Community Services; City Clerk)
- When
- Events with 50 or more participants, banners, or louder-than-allowed sound
Vendor and business licenses.
Solicitation and Peddlers License (for-profit)
Peddlers and solicitors must hold a city license, applied for through the city's online portal, with proof of liability insurance and a passport-size photo. Licenses cover a six-month period (May 1 to October 31 or November 1 to April 30), and sales of food need a certificate from the County Health Officer first. Peddling is barred near the University of Michigan stadium on football Saturdays and near the Art Fair in July.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Ann Arbor City Clerk
- When
- For-profit persons who solicit or peddle in Ann Arbor. The page does not say whether vendors with booths at a permitted special event are covered, and the city lists no general business license; ask the City Clerk before assuming either way.
- Fee
- $45.00 per licensure period (6 months), not prorated
- Timing
- Applications need a minimum of 24 hours for processing
Sales tax.
Michigan sales tax license or Concessionaire's Sales Tax Return (Form 5089)
Retailers collect 6% sales tax, and Michigan has no city, local or county sales tax. Vendors at more than two events a year must hold a sales tax license, registered online through Michigan Treasury Online or on Form 518. Sellers may begin selling before the license arrives but must remit tax from their first sale.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Michigan Department of Treasury
- When
- Anyone selling tangible goods to final consumers, including at events. Vendors at only one or two Michigan events a year can use Form 5089 instead of a license.
- Fee
- No fee for a sales tax license
When to apply.
- Non-competitive Special Event Permit: Submit at least 60 working days (12 weeks) before the event
- Solicitation and Peddlers License (for-profit): Applications need a minimum of 24 hours for processing
Collect your vendors' permits with their applications.
Make the vendor licenses, sales tax registration and food permits above required documents on your application, and check them before you approve anyone.
Check with the office.
This checklist summarizes official government pages read on 2026-10-11. It isn't legal advice; rules, fees and deadlines change. Special events contact: Parks & Recreation park rentals, 734-794-6230 x0, parkrentals@a2gov.org. Full page and sources for Ann Arbor.
Common questions.
What permits do I need to host a vendor market?
Usually an event permit from the city or county, licenses and sales tax registration for vendors, and temporary food permits for anyone selling food. Parks, streets, tents and cooking can add more. Pick your city above to see the exact list.
Do I need a permit for a pop-up market on private property?
It depends on the city. Some only require permits on public property; others, like zoning temporary-use permits, apply anywhere. The checklist shows what each city's official pages say.
How far ahead should I apply for an event permit?
Often 30 to 90 days. The median deadline across 111 places in our study is 45 days, and 43 want 60 or more.
Permits sorted? Run the event on bzar.
Free for organizers: vendor applications with required documents, booth payments, tickets and check-in.