Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Santa Maria, CA (2026)
2 verified food trucks & mobile vendors rules for Santa Maria, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Vending Zones
Food trucks in Santa Maria cannot sell between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., cannot vend within 500 feet of a school, and cannot park in one spot more than 30 minutes on public property. Private-property vending needs the landowner's written consent.
Santa Maria Catering Vehicle Location Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code Section 7-5.04 (Catering Vehicles)
Between the hours of six (6:00) p.m. and seven (7:00) a.m., it is unlawful for any person to sell, display or disperse... any food, beverage or other product from a catering vehicle. ... within 500 feet of any public or private school. ... No catering vehicle may park for a period exceeding 30 minutes in one location. After each parking period, regardless of length, the vehicle shall be removed...
Sidewalk & Mobile Vending
Santa Maria requires every sidewalk food or merchandise vendor, whether stationary or roaming, to hold a Sidewalk Vending Permit under Municipal Code Chapter 4-20. Applicants must pass a Police Department LiveScan background check, carry general liability insurance, and hold a city business license and County health permit before selling anything from a pushcart, stand or table on a public sidewalk.
Santa Maria Sidewalk Vending Permit Required
Significant RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code §§ 4-20.3(a), 4-20.11(a)
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, it is a violation of this Chapter for any individual to act as a Sidewalk Vendor within the City without having first obtained a Sidewalk Vending Permit issued pursuant to this Chapter. ... (a) Vending Near Schools: No vending shall occur within 500 feet of a freeway entrance or exit or 500 feet of the grounds of any public or private school sit...
Looking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Maria city rules.
Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Santa Barbara County →