Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Berkeley, CA (2026)

California SB 972 (2022) — Compact Mobile Food Operations (sidewalk food vendor permitting)

This bill would define "compact mobile food operation" as a mobile food facility that operates from an individual or from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized conveyance. This bill would require a compact mobile food operation to meet the applicable requirements of mobile food facilities, except as specified. The bill would exempt a compact...

California Government Code § 51038(b)(4)–(5), (c) (SB 946, 2018)

(4) (A) A local authority shall not restrict sidewalk vendors to operate only in a designated neighborhood or area, except when that restriction is directly related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns. (B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a local authority may prohibit stationary sidewalk vendors in areas that are zoned exclusively residential, but shall not prohibit roaming sidew...

California Government Code § 51038 (SB 946 Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, 2018)

51038. (a) A local authority may adopt a program to regulate sidewalk vendors in compliance with this section. (b) A local authority's sidewalk vending program shall comply with all of the following standards: (1) A local authority shall not require a sidewalk vendor to operate within specific parts of the public right-of-way, except when that restriction is directly related to objective health...