The City of Asheville’s Pushcart Program enables entrepreneurs to use specific sidewalk spaces in the Central Business District for the displaying or storing of food, beverages, or merchandise for sale. The Pushcart Program opens new opportunities for business downtown.

The available locations can be found here.

A complete Pushcart application includes:

• Photo or sketch of the pushcart with dimensions and attachments shown.
• Certificate of Insurance for $1,000,000 (one million) for food vendors and $25,000 for other products, clearly showing City of Asheville as additional insured
• Health Department Certificate or letter of non-requirement from Health Department (food only)

Applicants will also be required to submit to submit an Encroachment Agreement for use of the public right-of-way.

Pushcart permits are issued annually for the calendar year. Once issued, a permit is valid from the date of issuance through the subsequent December 31.

Approved permits will be effective January 1 - December 31 each year. Program applications may be submitted beginning November 15 the prior year. Annual permit renewal is required to continue using the space and/or change the scope of approved outdoor dining area plans.

Before begining this permit application, click the links below to review design standards and other program requirements.

Pushcart Information Sheet

For questions, please contact Daniel Fleer at 828-259-5848 or dfleer@ashevillenc.gov or visit the Permit Application Center at 161 S. Charlotte St. on Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-5:00 pm (closed public holidays). 

Complete the following form to apply for a new or amended Pushcart permit. Please see the Pushcart Information Sheet for all permit terms and operational requirements. Click here to view the Pushcart map. 

The following items will be required for this permit application:

• Certificate of Insurance (COI) for $1,000,000 (one million) for food vendors and $25,000 for other products, clearly showing City of Asheville as additional insured
• Encroachment Agreement
• Health Department Certificate or letter of non-requirement from Health Department (food only)
• Current photo of the pushcart (if not built, a drawing showing the design)
  
  • Any auxiliary items such as trash receptacles must be shown to be attached to the Pushcart

Use the buttons below to upload required application materials. Submitting an incomplete application will delay permit review and approval. 

Complete the following form to apply for annual renewal of an existing Pushcart permit. Once issued, a permit is valid from the date of issuance through the subsequent December 31.

Please review the Pushcart Information Sheet for all permit terms and operational requirements. Click here to view the Pushcart map.

Changes to the approved scope and/or design of an existing permitted outdoor dining space require approval of a new permit application. 

• Permit renewal for an existing outdoor dining space that requires changes to the approved scope and/or design will be approved with a new outdoor dining permit application and inspection by city staff.
• Permit renewal for an existing outdoor dining space that does not require changes will be approved pending inspection by city staff.

If you answer yes to the above question, the "Next" button below will take you to the new Pushcart Application

By signing this application, the undersigned agrees to the following:

Any additional required approvals or permits from the City of Asheville and/or Buncombe County, including but not limited to Privilege License and Health Department permit, shall be obtained as needed.

Permit and Certificate of Liability must be kept on premise at all times. If the Certificate of Liability insurance coverage is not maintained for the duration of the permit time limits, this permit may be revoked and any first-right-of-renewal may be revoked.

The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she has reviewed and agrees to abide by the requirements for Pushcart Vending, and/or Outdoor Dining, and/or displaying Outdoor Merchandise as set forth in Article V of Chapter 16 of Code of Ordinances of the City of Asheville and that the information provided in this application is correct and complete. The undersigned further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Asheville, its officials, officers and employees, from and against any and all claims, causes of action, suits, damages, costs, losses and expenses (including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees) for personal injury and/or property damage which arise out of or may be related to activities, or activities related to those activities, as described in this permit, save and excepting them from any negligence of or by the City of Asheville, its officials, officers, or employees.

Further, the undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Asheville, its officials, officers and employees, from and against any and all claims, causes of action, suits, damages, cost, losses and expenses (including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees) which arise out of or may be related to the failure of the undersigned to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “Act”), the North Carolina State Building Code (the “Code”), any regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act or the Code and all other health and safety laws and regulations.