Apply for Business Licenses for Outdoor Sales

Apply for licenses for certain businesses that sell products in the city of Kalamazoo like Peddler's, Transient Merchants, or Mobile Food Vendors (food trucks).  

  • Food Trucks: motorized vehicles that sell prepared food in public spaces. This business license is not required to operate a food truck at a special event.
  • Transient Merchants: businesses that sell products at one location on private property that they do not own.
  • Peddler's: businesses that involve door-to-door sales of products
  • Kalamazoo Mall Vendors: businesses that intend to sell products outdoors on the Kalamazoo Mall

It can take up to three weeks for a business license to be issued while staff review the application, check insurance requirements, and conduct background checks if needed. 

Online

Step 1.Obtain Required Approvals

Make sure you have any other licenses, permits, or approvals that are needed for your business. This could include things like permits and approval from the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department for a food truck, or a variance or special use permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Transient Merchant business.

Step 2.Submit an Application

Complete the application below and provide all requested information. You will also be asked to upload supporting documentation depending on the type of license you are applying for. 

Apply for Business Licenses for Selling Products

Step 3.Pay the License Fee

Fees must be paid before a license will be issued. The application form will let you know what the applicable fee is for your license. You can pay at the City Treasurer's Office at City Hall. If you have questions about making a payment, call 311 or (269) 337-8000.

Step 4.You're In Business

After your application has been processed and your fee has been paid, the City Clerk will issue your business license. It can be mailed or you can pick it up at City Hall. If you have all needed permits and approval, you will be ready to start operating your business. Make sure you follow all city ordinances and the requirements of the license. 

In Person

Step 1.Obtain Required Approvals

Make sure you have any other licenses, permits, or approvals that are needed for your business. This could include things like permits and approval from the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department for a food truck, or a variance or special use permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Transient Merchant business.

Step 2.Submit an Application

Applications for business licenses are available during business hours from the City Clerk's Office located on the first floor of City Hall. You can complete the application while you're here or bring it back later. 

Step 3.Pay the License Fee

Fees must be paid before a license will be issued. The application form will let you know what the applicable fee is for your license. You can pay at the City Treasurer's Office at City Hall. If you have questions about making a payment, call 311 or (269) 337-8000.

Step 4.You're In Business

After your application has been processed and your fee has been paid, the City Clerk will issue your business license. It can be mailed or you can pick it up at City Hall. If you have all needed permits and approval, you will be ready to start operating your business. Make sure you follow all city ordinances and the requirements of the license.