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

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

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.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

6 seconds ago - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

1 hour ago - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

2 hours ago - Arizona Republic