Living rule book
NYC street vendor rules on one block
Each number marks a rule. Pick a number to zoom in and read the rule with its official source. Open it to read the full rule page.
- Not allowed
- Allowed
- What the rule is about
- Distance in the rule
Plain-language summaries. The official text linked with each rule is the law. Not legal advice.
All rules on this street
The same rules as the drawing, in order.
1. Vendor license worn in view
Allowed · NYC Admin Code §§ 17-311(a)–(b), 20-461
A food vendor must wear the vending license where it can be seen at all times while vending, and show it on demand to the police or a city inspector. A general vendor must do the same.
Official sources
Read the rule →2. Permit plate and letter grade
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 17-311(c)
The food vending permit plate and the letter grade must be firmly attached to the cart or truck in a place where they can be seen.
Official sources
Read the rule →3. Carts and stands at the curb
Allowed · NYC Admin Code §§ 17-315(a), 20-465(a)
A pushcart or stand on a sidewalk may only be placed on the part of the sidewalk next to the curb.
Official sources
Read the rule →4. 12 ft clear path
Allowed · NYC Admin Code §§ 17-315(a), 20-465(a)
Vending on a sidewalk is only allowed if the sidewalk keeps a clear walking path at least 12 ft wide, measured from the property line to the nearest obstruction, or to the curb if there is none.
Official sources
Read the rule →5. Food cart size: 10 ft by 5 ft
Allowed · 24 RCNY § 6-06
No new permit is issued for a food pushcart longer than 10 ft or wider than 5 ft, wheels included. On a sidewalk, its long side must be next to and parallel to the curb. Food trucks are exempt.
Official sources
Read the rule →6. 10 ft from a subway stair
Allowed · NYC Admin Code §§ 17-315(e), 20-465(e)
A vendor must not vend within 10 ft of a subway entrance or exit.
Official sources
Read the rule →7. Touch nothing: hydrants, poles, trees
Allowed · NYC Admin Code §§ 17-315(b), 20-465(c)
No cart, stand or other vending item may touch, lean on or be fixed to a building or street object, such as a fire hydrant, lamp post, parking meter, tree box, bench or bus shelter.
Official sources
Read the rule →8. General vendor space: 8 ft by 3 ft
Allowed · NYC Admin Code § 20-465(b)
A general vendor may use no more than 8 ft of space along the curb and, on a sidewalk, no more than 3 ft measured from the curb toward the buildings.
Official sources
Read the rule →9. 20 ft from an entrance
Allowed · NYC Admin Code §§ 17-315(d), 20-465(d)
A cart, stand or goods must not be against a store display window, or within 20 ft of the entrance to a building, store, theater or other place of public assembly.
Official sources
Read the rule →10. 10 ft from a driveway
Allowed · NYC Admin Code §§ 17-315(e), 20-465(e)
A vendor must not vend within 10 ft of a driveway.
Official sources
Read the rule →11. Food vendor items on the cart only
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code § 17-315(c)
Everything used in a food vending business must be kept in, on or under the cart. Nothing else may be put on the sidewalk next to it, except a waste container.
Official sources
Read the rule →12. 10 ft from a corner or crosswalk
Not allowed · NYC Admin Code §§ 20-465(e), 17-315(e)
A general vendor must not vend within 10 ft of a corner, measured from where the cross street’s property line, extended, meets the curb. A food vendor must not vend within 10 ft of a crosswalk at an intersection.
Official sources
Read the rule →
SidewalkSnitch is an independent civic tool. Not affiliated with the City of New York. © 2026 SidewalkSnitch Inc.