Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do vending zones rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Under California SB 946, Ontario cannot ban sidewalk vendors citywide but regulates time, place, and manner through OMC Chapter 5, with no vending in parks during events or within 15 feet of curb cuts for ADA access.
View full Ontario rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
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
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| State law | SB 946 (GC 51036) | - |
| ADA passage | 4 ft clear required | - |
| Buffer | 15 ft curb cut / hydrant | - |
| Fines | $100-$500 administrative | - |
| 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.
Ontario FAQ
Can Ontario ban sidewalk vendors downtown?
No, SB 946 preempts outright bans; Ontario can only impose time, place, and manner rules with a public-health or safety basis.
Do sidewalk vendors need a health permit?
Yes if selling food, every vendor must hold a San Bernardino County Environmental Health permit plus a City business license.
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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