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07/08/2025 1:17 pm

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Mobile Retail

Updated: Jul 8, 2025

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Short Term vs. Long Term Mobile Retail Regulations Before Submitting an Application Prepare Application Materials Submittal Instructions Project Review and Permitting Paying Fees

The City now offers two Mobile Retail permitting options, a Temporary Use Permit for Mobile Retail – Short Term and Mobile Retail – Long Term. Short Term or Long Term give more properties the opportunity to host mobile retail vehicles.

Mobile Retail – Short Term and Long Term

Both options are the sale of permitted items or services. They include:

  • Prepared food and beverages, from one or more licensed motorized vehicles.
  • Travel trailers transported by a licensed motor vehicle, or food truck.

Both are referred to in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) as 'mobile retail vehicles.'

In no instance will alcoholic beverages exceed 70% of the total annual sales of each temporary mobile retail vehicle. The difference is that Short Term is temporarily stored vehicle, trailer, or food truck.

Property owners must have a permit to host vehicles on a site. Mobile retail vendors must have a permit for the operation of their vehicles. Mobile retail vendors serving food and/or beverages are subject to more regulations. Permit information for operating a food truck within the public right-of-way is on the City’s Food Truck webpage.

Short Term vs. Long Term Mobile Retail Regulations

The following table summarizes some of the key Short Term and Long Term Mobile Retail regulations. This table is not an exhaustive list of all Short Term and Long Term Mobile Retail regulations. Prior to seeking a permit, applicants should review the applicable UDO sections to understand the standards upon which the permit will be reviewed.

RegulationShort Term
UDO Section 6.8.2.F		Long Term
UDO Section 6.4.11.C
Allowed ZoningOP, OX, NX, CX, DX, IX, RX, IHNX, CX, DX, IX
Allowed Sales ActivityRetail Sales (excluding pawn shops and vehicle fuel sales), Personal Services (excluding outdoor animal care), and Food and Beverage Sales.*Retail Sales (excluding pawn shops and vehicle fuel sales), Personal Services (excluding outdoor animal care) and Food and Beverage Sales.*
Density2 vehicles on lots less than 0.5 acres
3 vehicles on lots between 0.5 and 1 acre
4 vehicles on lots greater than 1 acre		4 vehicles on lots less than 0.5 acres
6 vehicles on lots between 0.5 and 1 acre
8 vehicles on lots greater than 1 acre
ProximityMobile Retail Vehicles selling food items must be at least 50' from the main entrance to any eating establishment or similar food service business, any outdoor eating area, and/or any permitted food vending cart location.Mobile Retail Vehicles selling food items must be at least 50' from the main entrance to any eating establishment or similar food service business, any outdoor eating area, and/or any permitted food vending cart location.
Hours of Operation6 a.m.-3 a.m.
7 a.m.-10 p.m. when located within 150' of a residential zoning district, or a lot containing a building used for one or two-unit living.**		6 a.m.-3 a.m.
7 a.m.-10 p.m. in areas within 150' of a residential zoning district, or a lot containing a building used for one or two-unit living.**
SignageOne (1) A-frame sign per vehicle
Cannot not be illuminated and must be removed when the vehicle is not in operation.		One (1) A-frame sign per vehicle
Cannot not be illuminated.
Outdoor SeatingTo be provided by the property owner or the associated principal use.
Must be removed from permitted locations during impermissible hours of operation and cannot be stored on any public street or sidewalk.		To be provided by the property owner or the associated principal use.
SetbacksMinimum of 5' from side and rear property lines and 10' from any public right-of-way.Minimum of 5' from side and rear property lines and 10' from any public right-of-way.
Electrical ServiceNot ApplicableMust be provided for each vehicle.
Portable generators are prohibited.
RestroomsNot ApplicableMust be provided in accordance with NC Plumbing Code.

*In no instance shall alcoholic beverages exceed 70% of the total annual sales of each mobile retail vehicle.

**For Short-Term Mobile Retail, additional Hours of Operation regulations apply:

  • Lots without another principal use, or where the only principal use is parking, may be used for up to 4 hours in any one day.
  • Lots with another principal use, other than parking, may be used for up to 8 hours in any one day, and no more than 4 of those hours may occur outside the principal use’s operation.

Before Submitting an Application

Mobile Retail – Long Term

  1. Establish the scope of work for the Mobile Retail – Long Term.
  2. Determine the zoning district for the subject site by using iMAPS.
  3. Review UDO Section 6.4.11.C Mobile Retail Long-Term.
  4. To determine if your project qualifies as a Tier One, Tier Two, or Tier Three Site Plan review UDO Section 10.2.8. If assistance determining a Site Plan Tier is needed, a Site Plan Tier Verification request can be submitted via the Permit and Development Portal.
    1. If the Administrative Site Review (ASR) is a Tier Two or Tier Three Site Plan, the application and process can be found on the Administrative Site Review webpage.
  5. If the Administrative Site Review (ASR) is Tier One Site, the application and process can be found on the Commercial Permits: New Buildings, Additions, and Change of Use webpage.

What permits are required for vendors?

  • Mobile retail vendors must have a Mobile Retail Vending Permit for the operation of their vehicles.
  • Mobile retail vehicles selling food items are required to receive a food truck permit prior to the submission of a permit for mobile retail.

Mobile Retail – Short Term

  1. Establish scope of work for the Mobile Retail – Short Term.
  2. Determine the zoning district for the subject site by using iMAPS.
  3. Review UDO Section  6.8.2.F Mobile Retail Short-Term.

Optional Pre-Application Services

Prepare Application Materials

Mobile Retail – Long Term

  1. To determine if your project qualifies as a Tier One, Tier Two, or Tier Three Site Plan review UDO Section 10.2.8. If assistance determining a Site Plan Tier is needed, a Site Plan Tier Verification request can be submitted via the Permit and Development Portal.
    1. If the Administrative Site Review (ASR) is a Tier Two or Tier Three Site Plan, the application and process can be found on the Administrative Site Review webpage.
  2. If the Administrative Site Review (ASR) is a Tier One Site, the application and process can be found on the Commercial Permits: New Buildings, Additions, and Change of Use webpage.

Mobile Retail – Short Term

  1. Mobile retail vendors must have a Mobile Retail Vending permit for the operation of their vehicles.
    1. Mobile Retail Application and Checklist (with supplemental documentation).
    2. Owner’s Affidavit.
  2. Mobile retail vehicles selling food items are required to receive a food truck permit prior to the submission of a permit for mobile retail.
    1. Food Truck Vendor Permit (Private Property) application (with supplemental documentation).

Submittal Instructions

Submit a Mobile Retail Application packet via the Permit and Development Portal.

Project Review and Permitting

The Permit and Development Portal is a great way to view your project activity online. Once you have registered an account, you are able to view your project status, pay fees, or schedule inspections. Visit our permit portal help center for a list of frequently asked questions.

Plans that are ready for permit issuance but have incomplete contractor information will be kept at the Planning and Development Customer Service Center for up to six months. After six months, the plans will be considered invalid, and the application will be voided. An administrative fee may be incurred when projects are voided.

Paying Fees

A Plan Review Fee is due prior to project review. All other permit fees are due when permits are ready for issuance.

The Development Fee Guide provides a detailed list of specific development fees.

  • It is recommended that fees be paid via the Permit Portal.
  • All major credit cards and eCheck payments are accepted.
  • If you have questions, please contact the Customer Service Center.

A  fee calculator may be used to obtain an estimate of some building and trade permit fees.

Contact

 

Questions? Contact Current Planning
currentplanning@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2492

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