The BCRP Permit application for Food Vending at a park is the form the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks (BCRP) uses to issue permits for selling food or beverages on park properties; the printed title is Application for Food/Beverage Vending. It serves vendors who want a vending spot in a city park for one to twenty-nine consecutive days during the park vending season. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF. The original PDF is published by the agency, and the permit is issued only by the BCRP Permit Office.
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What is BCRP Permit application for Food Vending at a park – Baltimore, MD?
The BCRP Permit application for Food Vending at a park is the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks (BCRP) form for requesting a permit to sell food or beverages on park properties under its jurisdiction; the form is titled Application for Food/Beverage Vending.
The form is also the vendor's agreement. It sets the limits of the permit: it is issued for one (1) to twenty-nine (29) consecutive days at a time, the applicant must reapply when it expires, and the park vending season runs April 1 through October 31, dawn until dusk. The form states that the permit does not cover vending at special events or festivals held on park properties under Recreation and Parks' jurisdiction. It also states that food vending trucks are not permitted inside Patterson Park.
The application collects the applicant's and business's details, a first and second choice of park location, the desired dates and hours for each day of the week, the food and beverage items to be sold, and the vehicle details when a vehicle is used. The vendor is bound to sell only the items listed. Page 3 sets out twelve rules, from payment and grills to insurance and non-discrimination, which the vendor accepts by signing.
Page 4 is a block marked For Office Use Only, where BCRP records receipt, approval or denial, the designated vending location, the payment and the expiration. The applicant leaves it blank.
Who needs to file BCRP Permit application for Food Vending at a park – Baltimore, MD?
Vendors who want to sell food or beverages on park properties under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks complete this application. It can be filed by an individual or by a business; the form asks for the applicant's name and, if applicable, a business name.
Conditions and exclusions printed on the form:
- A permit covers one (1) to twenty-nine (29) consecutive days only. A vendor who wants to continue after the permit expires must apply again.
- The permit does not cover vending at special events or festivals held on park properties under the department's jurisdiction.
- Food vending trucks are not permitted inside Patterson Park.
- The vendor is restricted to the assigned area and may not roam the park.
The form also says that the vendor must display the Health Permit issued by the Baltimore City Health Department and post the Vending Permit issued by Recreation and Parks during vending hours. In addition, the vendor is responsible for obtaining every other permit or approval that federal, state or local law requires. This application does not replace those permits.
When to file BCRP Permit application for Food Vending at a park – Baltimore, MD
File the application before you plan to start vending, because the fee must be paid in full before set-up and the permit is issued only for the dates and hours you request. The form prints no separate filing deadline.
The park vending season is April 1 through October 31, dawn until dusk, so the start and end dates you enter should fall inside it. Each permit runs one (1) to twenty-nine (29) consecutive days. When it expires, the form requires you to reapply; the permit is not renewed automatically.
If you want more than one park location, the form states the fee applies per park location, so plan one request for each location and date range. Contact the Permit Office at 410.396.7070 to confirm timing for your dates.
Documents you need
- A site plan of your designated assigned location. The form's notice says to attach it and warns that failing to comply could lead to revocation of permits and/or a fine per offense.
- Your menu with prices, if you do not list all food and beverage items with costs in the space on the form (line 6).
- A photograph of your vehicle or vending cart, attached when you use a vehicle or cart (the form's note under lines 7 and 8).
- A copy of your vendor liability insurance; the form states it is required, and the office-use block records the date the policy was received.
- A copy of your Baltimore City Health Department Health Permit. The office-use block has a line recording its receipt, and rule 3 requires you to display it while vending.
- Payment of the fee as a Money Order or Certified Cashier's Check payable to Director of Finance, paid in full before set-up.
How to fill out BCRP Permit application for Food Vending at a park – Baltimore, MD
Enter applicant and business names
On line 1, print the applicant's name. On line 2, enter the business name if applicable.
Add mailing address and contacts
Line 3: mailing address and ZIP code. Line 4: daytime and evening telephone numbers. Line 5: fax number and e-mail address.
Choose your park locations
Under Desired Park Location, write a 1st Choice and a 2nd Choice. Remember that food vending trucks are not permitted inside Patterson Park, and attach a site plan of the location.
Set your dates and hours
Enter the Start Date and End Date as //___, no more than twenty-nine (29) consecutive days. In the weekday table, give Time From and Time To for each day you will vend.
List your food and beverage items
Line 6: list every item with its cost, or attach your menu with prices. You are bound to sell only the items listed.
Describe your vending vehicle
Line 7: license number of the vending vehicle, if applicable. Line 8: vehicle color, model and make, if applicable. Attach a photograph of the vehicle or vending cart.
Read the vendor rules
Read rules 1-12 on pages 2 and 3, including payment, grills, fire extinguishers and the insurance requirement. Signing means you accept all of them.
Print your name, sign and date
Print the vendor's name, then sign and date at the bottom of page 3. Leave the For Office Use Only block on page 4 blank.
Review and download the PDF
Check the dates, location choices and attachments. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF, then assemble the package described under How to submit.
How to submit BCRP Permit application for Food Vending at a park – Baltimore, MD
The form prints no online portal or separate drop-off rule. It names the Recreation and Parks Permit Office as its contact and as the address for payment:
- Mail or in person: Department of Recreation & Parks Hdqrs., Permit Office, 3201 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD 21224.
- Phone: Permits Office 410.396.7070. The Park Ranger line is 443.800.4291.
- Email: [email protected]
Ask the Permit Office how it wants the completed application delivered before you send it.
Attach the site plan of your designated location, your menu with prices if you do not list the items on the form, a photograph of your vehicle or vending cart, and a copy of your vendor liability insurance. The office-use block also has a line for a copy of the Health Department permit.
A fee applies per park location. It is non-refundable and must be paid in full before set-up. The form accepts only a Money Order or Certified Cashier's Check made payable to Director of Finance and sent to the Permit Office address above. Ask the Permit Office for the current amount.
FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out the site plan of your designated location; the form warns this could result in revocation of all permits for up to 5 years and/or a fine per offense.
- Requesting dates that run longer than twenty-nine (29) consecutive days or fall outside the April 1 through October 31 vending season.
- Listing Patterson Park for a food vending truck; the form states trucks are not permitted inside that park.
- Using this permit for a special event or festival on park property; the form says it does not cover them.
- Selling items that are not listed on the application; the vendor is bound to sell only the food and beverage items listed.
- Paying by personal check or cash; the form accepts only a Money Order or Certified Cashier's Check payable to Director of Finance, paid before set-up.
- Sending the application without a copy of vendor liability insurance, which the form says is required.
- Signing without reading rules 1-12, or leaving the printed name, signature or date blank; the signature binds the vendor to all twelve rules.
- Using charcoal or wood grills, or selling drinks in glass containers; the rules prohibit both.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BCRP food vending permit application?
It is the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks form, titled Application for Food/Beverage Vending, used to request a permit to sell food or beverages on park properties under the department's jurisdiction. Signing it also binds you to the twelve vending rules printed on the form.
How long is a Baltimore park vending permit valid?
One (1) to twenty-nine (29) consecutive days at a time. The form says you must reapply when the permit expires. Vending is allowed only during the park vending season, April 1 through October 31, dawn until dusk.
Can I vend at a festival or special event in a park with this permit?
No. The form states that this permit does not cover vending at special events or festivals held on park properties under Recreation and Parks' jurisdiction. Contact the Permit Office at 410.396.7070 about those events.
Are food trucks allowed in Patterson Park?
No. The application states that food vending trucks are not permitted inside Patterson Park. If you operate a truck, choose a different park for your 1st and 2nd choice.
What do I attach to the park food vending application?
Attach a site plan of your designated location, a photograph of your vehicle or vending cart, and a copy of your vendor liability insurance. Also attach your menu with prices if you do not list the items on the form. The office-use block records a copy of your Health Department permit.
How do I pay the park vending permit fee?
By Money Order or Certified Cashier's Check payable to Director of Finance, sent to the Permit Office, 3201 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD 21224. The fee applies per park location, is non-refundable and must be paid in full before set-up. Ask the Permit Office for the amount.
What happens if I break the park vending rules?
The City may ask you to remove your equipment, food and property from the assigned area right away. Violations carry a fine per offense and can lead to revocation of all permits issued to you for up to five years.
Can I fill out the Baltimore park vending application online?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service, is not affiliated with the City of Baltimore and does not submit applications; you deliver it and pay through the Permit Office.
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