Street Vending in Berkeley, CA (2026)
3 verified street vending rules for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Vendor Permits
Berkeley regulates sidewalk vending through two parallel chapters of the BMC: Chapter 9.48 covers arts-and-crafts and flower vending, and Chapter 9.49 covers food vending on sidewalks and rights-of-way. Both chapters require a city-issued vending permit and ID card before any vending may occur. Vending without a permit is unlawful.
Berkeley Sidewalk Vendor Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia 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...
Vending Zones
Berkeley does not permit sidewalk vending anywhere on demand — vendors must operate from a specific site allocated by the city. BMC 9.49.020 defines a 'site allocation' as the city's allocation to a food vendor of a particular site where vending is allowed, and BMC 14.48.170 governs general use of streets and sidewalks by vendors and street performers.
Berkeley Sidewalk Vending Zones & Site Allocations
Some RestrictionsCart & Stand Rules
Berkeley sidewalk vending carts and stands are regulated under BMC Chapters 9.48 (arts and crafts) and 9.49 (food), as conformed to California SB 946. Carts must fit within the vendor's allocated site, must not obstruct the pedestrian right-of-way, and food carts must additionally hold Alameda County Environmental Health approval.
Berkeley Vending Cart & Equipment Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.
Street Vending in Alameda County →