Hayward, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Chapter 6, Article 16, the Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance adopted by Ordinance 23-08 in October 2023, requires anyone selling food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, or similar non-motorized conveyance on a Hayward sidewalk to hold a valid sidewalk vending permit issued by the City Manager or a designee. Applications must include the vendor's contact information, a description of what is sold, whether the vendor is stationary or roaming, proposed locations for stationary vendors, a state seller's permit, and an Alameda County Department of Environmental Health mobile food facility permit if applicable, plus proof of liability insurance and a nonrefundable processing fee.

A permit runs one year and must be renewed annually. Sec. , while vending in nonresidential zones follows whatever hours apply to other businesses on the same street, unless that business is allowed to run 24 hours. Vendors must display their permit, provide a customer trash receptacle, keep the surrounding sidewalk clean, and maintain at least four feet of clearance for pedestrians. Location rules in Sec. 60 keep stationary vendors at least 50 feet from another stationary vendor, 18 inches from a curb edge, 15 feet from a hydrant or driveway, 100 feet from a school in session or an emergency facility, and 200 feet from a farmers' market or special event.

Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and weapons cannot be sold this way. Sec. 70 escalates enforcement from a verbal warning, to a written warning, to administrative fines of up to $100 (or $250 for vending without a permit) on a first citation, rising to $500 and then $1,000 for repeat violations within a year, all appealable under the Chapter 1, Article 7 hearing process.