North Station

New city law

Establish Street Food Cart Permitting Framework

Last activity February 8, 2026 (7 months ago)

  1. Introduced

    January 22, 2026

  2. In committee

    The committee decides whether to send it to the full council for a vote.

  3. Council vote

  4. Mayor's desk

  5. In effect

Boston will create a formal permit system for non-motorized street food carts. The ordinance sets a committee, application process, defined zones, and permit fees (initial $50, renewal $25). It aims to simplify licensing, expand access for small vendors, and reduce barriers for entrepreneurs across the city, with enforcement and review provisions.

Affects immigrant communities, street food vendors, and low-income residents

Filed by Brian Worrell, Benjamin Jacob Weber, Henry Santana, Enrique Pepén, Julia Mejia, Ruthzee Louijeune, John FitzGerald, Sharon Durkan, Miniard Culpepper, Liz Breadon, and Gabriela Coletta Zapata

Now with the Committee on Government Operations

About Small Business & Licensing , Transportation & Streets and Environment & Climate

View the official record
Compare with the government's own wording

Official title

Ordinance Establishing Street Food Carts in the City of Boston.

Timeline

  1. January 28, 2026

    Referred to

    City Council