Street Vending in Riverside County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Riverside County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Riverside County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Vendor Permits

California SB 946 (Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, 2019) restricts Riverside County's ability to prohibit sidewalk vending. The county adopted Ordinance No. 875 implementing SB 946, requiring a sidewalk vending permit, health permit (for food), and compliance with sanitary and zoning rules.

Street Vendor Permits in Riverside County

Some Restrictions

California Government Code Sections 51036-51039 (Chapter 6.2. Sidewalk Vendors, SB 946 Safe Sidewalk Vending Act)

51036. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply: (a) 'Sidewalk vendor' means a person who sells food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized conveyance, or from one's person, upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path. (b) 'Roaming sidewalk vendor' means a sidewalk vendor who moves from place to pl...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vending Zones

Under SB 946 and Ordinance No. 875, Riverside County cannot designate exclusive vending zones or ban vending from entire commercial districts. Restrictions are limited to specific, objective health and safety criteria — ADA clearance, traffic, and event-based closures.

Street Vending Zones in Riverside County

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Cart & Stand Rules

Vending carts in Riverside County must meet California Retail Food Code standards for food carts and Ordinance No. 875 equipment rules. Carts must fit within a defined footprint, include wastewater containment for food carts, display permits visibly, and comply with sanitation and ADA requirements.