Skip to main content

Permits, violations & licenses

Get a Sidewalk Sales License

Service overview

If you want to sell products from a stationary, non-permanent stand on the sidewalk, you’ll need a Sidewalk Sales License.

A sidewalk stand is not a newsstand, which is a permanent structure.

The City limits or prohibits vendors from selling in certain areas.  For help with the prohibited streets, use the map below or contact the Vending Unit at (215) 686-2414 with questions. To operate in the City’s special vending districts, you need a Special Vending District License.

Prohibited streets and areas and special vending districts

  • Special vending districts
  • Prohibited streets and areas

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.

Who

Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.

Requirements

Identification

You must provide:

  • Proof of your identity and address, such as a state-issued ID or driver’s license.
  • Two copies of a photo ID (2 in. x 2 in., color).

Other licenses and registrations

If you want to sell food, you’ll also need:

Where and when

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

In person

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.

Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

Cost

Fee per location
$330

A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the balance of the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.

Renewal fee per location
$330

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

How

You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

Online

1
Upload all required documents.

Applications are reviewed within five business days.

2
If the application is approved, you will receive a notice to pay the balance.

If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

In person

1
Visit the Permit and License Center.

L&I can review most in-person applications while you wait.

2
L&I will either issue your license or request more information.

Renewal requirements

This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

To renew your license, you must:

  • Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
  • Have a valid email address.

Forms & instructions


Top