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

Lynwood Municipal Code § 13-7.2 makes it unlawful to conduct or engage in sidewalk vending in the city without first obtaining a sidewalk vending permit. Section 13-7.3 requires an applicant to file with the Community Development director, pay a nonrefundable application fee set by council resolution, and supply a legal name and address, a California ID or driver's license number, a map or description of the vending route, a description of the food or merchandise, the cart's dimensions, proposed hours and days, a California seller's permit number, and proof of comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate naming the city as an additional insured. Applicants selling food must also carry a food handler card or certified food protection manager certificate and a county-approved mobile food facility permit.

A permit is valid for twelve months from issuance under § 13-7.5 and must be renewed with another nonrefundable fee before it lapses; permits are personal to the vendor and cannot be transferred under § 13-7.9. The director can deny, refuse to renew, or rescind a permit for a felony or undisclosed misdemeanor conviction, false statements, an incomplete application, unpaid prior fines, or a rescission within the last twelve months, per § 13-7.4. On a fourth violation the director can rescind the permit outright under § 13-7.6, and the vendor cannot reapply until the rescinded term would have expired. Denials, revocations and rescissions can be appealed to the Lynwood City Council within fourteen days of the director's decision under § 13-7.7.