Sidewalk & Mobile Vending: Castro Valley vs San Leandro
How do sidewalk & mobile vending rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
No data available yet for Castro Valley.
San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
California SB 946 (Gov. Code §51038–§51039) decriminalized sidewalk vending statewide and limits San Leandro to non-criminal time/place/manner rules tied to objective health, safety, or welfare. Violations are punishable only by administrative fines after an ability-to-pay determination — never criminal.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | - | Cal. Gov. Code §51036–§51039 (SB 946, 2018) |
| Sidewalk vendor definition | - | Non-motorized cart/stand; food or merchandise; on sidewalk/pedestrian path |
| Enforcement type | - | Administrative fine only — never criminal |
| Max fine (operational) | - | $100 / $200 / $500 (1st/2nd/3rd) |
| Max fine (no permit) | - | $250 / $500 / $1,000 |
| Ability-to-pay | - | Required under §51039(e); 20% reduction for indigent vendors |
| County health permit | - | Required for food vendors (Cal. Retail Food Code) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
No FAQs available.
San Leandro FAQ
Can San Leandro ban sidewalk vending downtown?
No. SB 946 forbids zone bans except where there is an objective, documented public-safety reason. The City can adopt 'no-vending zones' only with a concrete safety justification (e.g., narrow sidewalks, transit boarding zones).
Do I still need a county health permit for hot dogs or fruit?
Yes. SB 946 preempts criminal local rules but does not waive the California Retail Food Code. Alameda County Environmental Health permits remain mandatory.
What if I can't pay the fine?
You can request an ability-to-pay determination under Gov. Code §51039(e); if you qualify under §68632 thresholds the fine is reduced to 20% and may be paid via community service or a payment plan.
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