Description

FOOD TRUCKS 101 

A workshop for prospective and existing Transient Merchants within the City of Des Moines—a licensing category that includes food trucks and other mobile vendors that sell goods and services from vehicles, trailers, and pushcarts. 

Food Trucks 101 is a FREE informational workshop that will bring together transient merchants and City staff for a detailed presentation and Q&A session covering all of the considerations related to transient merchant permitting within the City of Des Moines. 

Date: Monday, April 6, 2026 

Time: 5:30-6:30PM 

Location: Des Moines’ New City Hall, 1200 Locust Street, Des Moines (across from Central Library) 

Who From The City Will Be There? 

• Fire Department staff—To discuss required safety inspections for mobile cooking operations
• Zoning Division staff—To discuss locational considerations for transient merchants
• City Clerk’s staff—To discuss required paperwork, insurance, and licensing 

Who Should Attend? 

• Aspiring entrepreneurs that are interested in starting a mobile business
• Experienced transient merchant operators that want to stay up on current regulations
• Small business champions, real estate professionals, and others that play a role in supporting the development of our transient merchant entrepreneur community 

Getting There: 

• Validated garage parking is available at City garage located at 13th/Mulberry Streets
• Metered/paid street parking is available on streets surrounding the building (downloading ParkDSM app is recommended)
• Main entrance to the building is located on Locust Street, facing the Library
• An additional building entrance (and aforementioned City parking garage) are connected to the Downtown skywalk system 

RSVPs encouraged but not required. 

With questions or to RSVP, contact Nick Tarpey at notarpey@dmgov.org, 515-283-4585 or Breann Bye at bbye@dmgov.org, 515-283-4013.

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