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

City Code § 18-477(a) makes it "unlawful for any person to operate a cart in the city without having a current and valid sidewalk vendor permit," and requires the permit displayed in plain view on the cart at all times business is conducted. Every cart must also carry the vendor's name, address, and phone number on both sides in letters at least four inches tall, in contrasting color to the cart. The permit application, filed with the city manager under Section 18-477(c), must disclose vending locations, hours, whether the vendor is stationary or roaming, cart dimensions, and a LiveScan background check completed within the prior three months, plus proof of a state seller's permit and $1,000,000 in liability insurance.

Permits expire after six months (Section 18-480) and cannot be transferred to a new owner, employee, or cart (Section 18-481). , carts capped at four feet in height, width, and length, and a mandatory four-foot clear path for pedestrians. Carts cannot use propane, batteries, or other hazardous materials, and vendors must haul away their own trash. on days school is open. Violations run through the administrative fine ladder set out for the whole article: $100/$200/$500 for a vendor holding a permit, $250/$500/$1,000 for one who has none, and a permit can be revoked outright for a third citation, with a one-year bar on reapplying. Appeals of a denial, suspension, or revocation go through the hearing procedure in Article II of Chapter 1 under Section 18-486.