Decatur Approves New Food Cart Program

Mobile food vendors can now apply for permits to operate in several of the city’s public spaces.

1 minute read

June 5, 2023, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Food carts will be allowed to operate in public spaces in Decatur, Georgia, after the city approved a new mobile food vendor program, reports Beth McKibben in Eater Atlanta.

The program revises a 2019 program that excluded businesses viewed as competing with existing brick-and-mortar operations. “The latest revamp of the mobile food cart program appears to be a course correction for Decatur to be more inclusive and provide a clearer avenue for accountability.” McKibben explains, “Interested businesses must apply for consideration by June 20, carry a current license, and assure carts meet the required dimensions criteria.” 

Mobile food vendors in Georgia have to navigate a complex web of state and local regulations. According to the article, as of last year, vendors can operate in multiple counties under one permit, but “Despite updates to the laws and loosening of restrictions, Georgia and Atlanta still remain less hospitable for food trucks and carts to do business than in other states and cities across the country.”

Thursday, June 1, 2023 in Eater Atlanta

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

White Waymo autonomous car driving fast down city street with blurred background at night.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars

Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

June 16 - Smart Cities Dive

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

June 16 - Governing

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

June 16 - UNM News