Sacramento County Sidewalk Vending Program

Sidewalk Vending: About the Program

Senate Bill 946 authorizes local governments to establish regulations that promote public safety and manage sidewalk vending activities, including rules governing the time, place, and manner of operation.

What is a sidewalk vendor?

A person selling food or merchandise from a nonmotorized vessel on a public sidewalk or other pedestrian pathway such as a Pushcart, Stand, or Rack.

These vendors play a valuable role in enhancing street-level commerce and community vibrancy, while operating within guidelines designed to ensure safety and accessibility for all.

The application must be presented to Finance in-person once completed.

Apply to be a Sidewalk Vendor

Getting Started

Steps to establish a sidewalk vending business in Sacramento County.

Verify your operating location by entering your address into Sacramento County Parcel Viewer and reference the “Jurisdiction” section. You may also confirm your location by checking nearby street signs. White street signs typically indicate an unincorporated area. Any business operating in an unincorporated area is required to obtain a Sacramento County Business License. For more information, visit Step One: Verify Your Vending Location

State of California

All sidewalk vendors are required to obtain a California Seller’s Permit.

Sacramento County

All sidewalk vendors must obtain a Sidewalk Vending Business License issued by Sacramento County:

Vendors selling food are also required to obtain a Health Permit from the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department:

Vendors operating within Sacramento County Parks must additionally apply for and receive a Regional Parks Concession Agreement.

Sidewalk vendors are required to set up on a public sidewalk or pedestrian pathway. Operations who are seeking to operate on private property must consult with Planning and Environmental Review and Business Licensing.

SET-UP

Business is situated on a sidewalk in the unincorporated area of Sacramento County. Business maintains distance from prohibited and restricted zones as outlined in Sacramento County Code (SCC).

Maintain permits and licenses onsite at vending location. Sidewalk Vending Business License and Health Permit affixed to vessel (food vending only).

Business is set up in accordance with SCC. The stand is set up with fixed signage, no tables and chairs (aside from a stool for vendor personal use), and is selling approved goods or merchandise.

Food businesses are set up with a permitted vessel and are operating under approved food safety standards. This includes conducting sufficient handwashing and warewashing, and maintaining temperature control of the food.