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

Chapter 14 of Title 2, Division 10 was enacted by Ordinance No. 19-12 in August 2019 to bring Irvine's sidewalk vending rules into line with state law (SB 946). Section 2-10-1403 requires anyone engaging in sidewalk vendor activity, stationary or roaming, food or merchandise, to apply for and receive a permit from the City Manager before operating. The written application must include the applicant's identifying information, a California ID or taxpayer ID number, the name of whoever supervises roaming vendors, the number and dimensions of vending receptacles with photos, days and hours of operation, proposed locations, whether food or merchandise will be sold, a copy of the Orange County Environmental Health Division Food Facility Health Permit for food sellers, proof of a valid state seller's permit, and an indemnification and insurance agreement, among 20 total items.

Section 2-10-1404 requires the City Manager to decide within 30 calendar days of a complete application, weighing 13 factors including traffic and pedestrian interference, fire hazard, prior unpaid fines, and prior permit revocations within the same year. A permit is non-transferable, any change in ownership or operation requires a new one, and every permit issued under the chapter expires on December 31 of the year it was issued, no matter when during the year it was granted. If approved, the vendor does not need a separate City business license unless they also maintain a permanent place of business in Irvine.