Project Alignment

Temporary Vendor Survey & Policy Development

This project conducts a community and stakeholder survey to inform future policy direction on temporary vendors, food trucks, and short-term commercial activity in Buena Vista. The survey will gather input from residents, businesses, event organizers, and vendors to better understand demand, impacts on downtown commerce, parking, infrastructure capacity, and opportunities to support seasonal economic activity. The results will guide staff recommendations and updates to permitting, zoning, enforcement practices, and location guidelines.

By grounding future vendor policies in real data and public engagement, the Town can balance business vitality, community character, and fair use of public spaces, ensuring that temporary vendors complement rather than compete with established businesses while enhancing seasonal activity and visitor experience.


2025 BV Comprehensive Plan Alignment

EH Big Idea 3: Harness local economic activity to strengthen community vitality

  • EH Action 3A: Support business types that meet community needs

  • EH Action 3C: Partner with community organizations to expand economic opportunities

CSP Big Idea 1: Support government transparency and culture of collaboration

  • CSP Action 1A: Revitalize interactive online information centers for access to Town initiatives

  • CSP Action 1D: Engage residents in policy development and decision-making processes

TCS Big Idea 3: Address parking needs and event-related constraints

  • TCS Action 3B: Improve event circulation and coordinated use of downtown space

Building on Adopted Plans

A vendor survey provides necessary data and public engagement to support implementation of goals across economic development and downtown planning frameworks:

  • The Economic Development Master Plan (2017) highlights the need to streamline business processes while supporting entrepreneurial opportunities that align with local economic needs.

  • The DCI Downtown Report (2013) recommends clarifying street-level activation strategies and balancing commercial activation with historic character and brick-and-mortar business sustainability.

  • The Parking Analysis (2015) notes downtown parking constraints during peak events and recommends data-driven policies to manage high-demand areas.

  • The Signage & Wayfinding Plan (2018) emphasizes coordinated downtown movement, event circulation, and consistent messaging to support visitor experience, key concerns when locating mobile vendors.

  • The 3-Mile Plan (2025) calls for coordinated economic policies that scale with community growth and local land-use goals.

Project Background and Implementation Context

Seasonal vendors and mobile commercial activity have increased alongside tourism, special events, and year-round resident demand. At the same time, local businesses and event organizers have expressed interest in clearer direction on:

  • Where vendors may operate

  • How vendor locations affect parking and street activation

  • Health, safety, and infrastructure considerations

  • Equity between mobile vendors and permanent storefronts

The survey will serve as a foundational input for staff-recommended refinements to permitting and policy, including potential updates to:

  • Vendor licensing processes

  • Designated vendor zones or corridors

  • Event-specific vendor coordination

  • Infrastructure needs (e.g., power access, waste, ADA circulation)

Budget Context:
Funding will support survey development, distribution, analysis, and reporting. Final recommendations may be brought to the Board for consideration following public engagement.


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