Street Vending in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
3 verified street vending rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Vendor Permits
BMC Chapter 5.45 (Sidewalk Vendors) requires a city-issued Sidewalk Vendor Permit for anyone selling food or merchandise from a non-motorized pushcart, stand, or display on a public sidewalk or pedestrian path in Bakersfield. The chapter implements California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946, Gov. Code 51036-51039) and is administered by the City Treasury Division.
Bakersfield Sidewalk Vendor Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia SB 946 (2018) - Safe Sidewalk Vending Act - Local Permitting Authority for Sidewalk Vendors
SB 946, Lara. Sidewalk vendors. ... This bill would prohibit a local authority, as defined, from regulating sidewalk vendors, except in accordance with the provisions of the bill. ... The bill would require a local authority that elects to adopt a sidewalk vending program to, among other things, not require a sidewalk vendor to operate within specific parts of the public right-of-way, except wh...
Vending Zones
BMC Chapter 5.45 governs where in Bakersfield sidewalk vendors may operate. At all times the vendor must maintain a minimum of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrian traffic and meet all ADA accessibility standards. Vending in city parks and other public spaces is regulated under separate rules in BMC Title 12, and special-event/exclusive concession areas can preempt sidewalk vending in those zones.
Bakersfield Sidewalk Vending Zones and Location Rules
Some RestrictionsCart & Stand Rules
Under BMC Chapter 5.45, a sidewalk vending cart must be non-motorized and operated by the permittee, maintain 4 feet of unobstructed sidewalk clearance, and — if used for food — meet Mobile Food Facility (MFF) standards enforced by the Kern County Public Health Department under the California Retail Food Code (CalCode, Health & Safety Code 113700 et seq.).
Bakersfield Vending Cart Equipment and Operating Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Street Vending in Kern County →