Chico, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, for street/sidewalk sales
- Eligible area
- Central business district only
- School buffer
- 300 feet (except CSU Chico)
- Park buffer
- 200 feet outside CBD
- Violation class
- Infraction, fine per City Charter §1505
Summary
Selling food or beverages from a city street or sidewalk in Chico requires a permit, and permits are limited to the central business district with strict buffer distances from schools and parks.
It is unlawful for any person to sell any food, cut flowers, beverages, or merchandise and/or to rent equipment or other things on and from any city street, sidewalk or other city property without a permit or franchise... A permit issued by the director shall not authorize the sale of food, cut flowers, and beverages on and from a city street, sidewalk or parking lot within 300 feet of the exterior boundaries of any private or public school... within 200 feet of a city park or playground other than a park or playground within the central business district.
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code Chapter 14.60 makes it unlawful to sell food, cut flowers, beverages, or merchandise from any city street, sidewalk, or other city property without a permit or franchise. The Director may issue permits, but only for sales within the central business district (bounded by Big Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek, Flume Street, and Normal Street), and a permit cannot authorize sales within 300 feet of a school (except CSU Chico) or within 200 feet of a city park or playground outside the central business district. Permits can also be refused for locations that pose a health/safety risk or impede pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle travel. This is separate from Chico's mobile food vendor permit under Chapter 19.23, which governs food trucks parked on private, non-residential parcels rather than public streets and sidewalks.
Violations & Fines
Violation of Chapter 14.60, including breach of permit or franchise conditions, is an infraction punishable by a fine under City Charter Section 1505.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell food from a cart on any Chico sidewalk?
Does a mobile food vendor permit let me sell on a public sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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