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Buchanan County adopts temporary RAGBRAI vendor-permit ordinance for July event
Summary
The Board of Supervisors on April 6 approved a temporary ordinance (5.08) requiring vendors during RAGBRAI on July 23–24 to obtain commercial booth permits, setting tiered fees, health requirements and nuisance penalties; the measure passed 3–0 and is effective July 23–24, 2026.
Buchanan County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a temporary ordinance on April 6 that requires food and merchandise vendors to obtain commercial booth permits when the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) passes through the county on July 23–24, 2026.
Auditor Kris Wilgenbusch presented the ordinance to the board, explaining the measure is intended to address public-health and safety issues created by the influx of visitors during the event. The board approved the ordinance by a 3–0 vote.
The ordinance (Chapter 5.08, “RAGBRAI—Miscellaneous Permits”) sets tiered permit fees: $150 for Buchanan County non-profit vendors, $350 for Buchanan County for-profit vendors and $600 for vendors from outside Buchanan County. It also establishes a $100 cleanup deposit and a $100 late fee for vendors registering after June 1, 2026. The Independence RAGBRAI Committee will determine commercial booth locations.
The ordinance requires permit holders to comply with the Iowa Department of Health and applicable Buchanan County health rules when selling or dispensing food. The text declares unpermitted sales or temporary facilities erected without an Independence RAGBRAI Commercial Booth permit on July 23–24 a nuisance and allows emergency abatement by peace officers or designees; however, if the only violation is failure to obtain a permit, the committee may allow immediate purchase of the required permit instead of immediate abatement.
Penalties for violations include classification as a simple misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail. The ordinance’s effective period is 5:00 a.m. July 23, 2026, through 5:00 p.m. July 24, 2026.
The board approved the temporary ordinance on April 6, 2026. The Independence RAGBRAI Committee and county health authorities will implement the permitting, location assignments and health inspections described in the ordinance.
