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🍔 Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors/Vending Zones

Fontana vs San Bernardino

How do vending zones rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?

Fontana and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.

Fontana, CA

San Bernardino County

Some Restrictions

Fontana FMC Title 17 controls food-truck locations. Commercial and industrial zones allow trucks on private property with owner permission. Residential zones restrict mobile vending to brief roving stops.

View full Fontana rules →

San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino County

Some Restrictions

Senate Bill 946 (Gov Code 51036) preempts outright bans on sidewalk food vending in San Bernardino. The city may regulate time, place, and manner only with reasonable health, safety, or public welfare justifications.

View full San Bernardino rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactFontanaSan Bernardino
Allowed ZonesCommercial and industrial-
ResidentialRoving only, not stationary-
PermissionWritten from property owner-
Large EventsTemporary Use Permit-
Sidewalk VendorsSeparate SB 946 track-
Governing Statute-Gov Code 51036-51039 (SB 946)
Outright Bans-Prohibited except certain events
Competition Bans-Prohibited
Max Civil Fine-500 dollars per violation
Criminal Penalties-Prohibited under SB 946

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Fontana FAQ

Can a food truck set up in my Fontana residential neighborhood?

Not for stationary lunch service. Roving ice-cream-truck style stops are allowed but extended residential-zone operation is prohibited under Fontana zoning.

Where can food trucks legally park to serve customers in Fontana?

On private commercial or industrial property with owner permission and a current county health permit. Some centers host regular food-truck gatherings.

San Bernardino FAQ

Can San Bernardino ban all food carts on E Street?

No. Under SB 946, San Bernardino cannot impose a blanket ban on sidewalk food vending. The city may regulate placement near crosswalks, sidewalk widths, hours of operation, and sanitation, but cannot prohibit vending outright based on competition concerns.

Do I need a license to sell tamales from a cart on a San Bernardino sidewalk?

Yes. You need a San Bernardino sidewalk vending permit and a San Bernardino County Environmental Health mobile food facility permit. Fees must be reasonable under SB 946, and enforcement is by administrative citation not criminal charges.

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