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 New Haven, CT.
In New Haven, CT, an organizer files a Special Events Permit through the city's online portal (Chief Administrator's Office), then the organizer, not the vendors, submits a Vending Umbrella License at least 2 weeks ahead. Sellers need a Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit, and food vendors get a permit from the local health department.
Not shown, based on your answers: food vendors. See everything for New Haven.
Event permit.
Special Events Permit
The city defines special events as activities tied to a specific time and place, often on public property or a city park. The permit application is filed through the city's online permitting portal, and the Chief Administrator's Office holds a recurring Zoom with permit reviewers to help organizers. The pages read do not state fees or lead times.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of New Haven Chief Administrator's Office
- When
- Special events held on public property or city parks, such as festivals, fundraisers, block parties and runs; park pavilion events also use a Parks Department application
Vendor and business licenses.
Vending Umbrella License (peddler/hawker and food trucks at special events)
For special events, vendors do not buy daily street vendor licenses; the event organizer submits a Vending Umbrella License application (separate forms for peddlers/hawkers and for food trucks), and it cannot be accepted until the event permit has been submitted. Applications must be presented in person.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of New Haven Permit & License Center (Vendor Division)
- When
- Vendors selling at a permitted special event; the organizer, not the vendors, applies
- Timing
- Submit at least 2 weeks before the event
Sales tax.
Sales and Use Tax Permit
A permit is required for individuals and businesses alike regardless of how many sales are made, except for casual or isolated sales. Register online through myconneCT, display the permit at the booth or table, and note that selling without one carries fines.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
- When
- Anyone selling at a flea market, craft show, trade show, antique show or fair, even for one day
- Fee
- There is a $100 fee for registering to collect sales and use tax.
When to apply.
- Vending Umbrella License (peddler/hawker and food trucks at special events): Submit at least 2 weeks before the event
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: New Haven Chief Administrator's Office, 203-946-4984. Full page and sources for New Haven.
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.