Sidewalk vending is legal statewide under the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946, Cal. Gov. Code §§51036–51039). California cities may not ban sidewalk vending outright; the City of Sonoma may only impose objective time, place, and manner restrictions tied to health, safety, or welfare. Food vendors must also hold a Sonoma County Environmental Health Compact Mobile Food Operator (CMFO) permit.
State framework: SB 946 (2018) and SB 972 (2022) decriminalized sidewalk vending statewide. A 'sidewalk vendor' is a person who sells food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance on a public sidewalk or pedestrian path (Cal. Gov. Code §51036). Local agencies may impose restrictions tied to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns; require a permit; and limit vending in 'designated parks' where the operator of the park has an exclusive concessionaire agreement. Restrictions may include requiring 4 feet of clear pedestrian passage, ADA compliance, set-backs from intersections, and restroom access within 200 feet when stationary more than an hour. Bans based on the type of food sold, the number of vendors, or general aesthetic preferences are not permitted. Health permits: Food vendors must obtain a Sonoma County Environmental Health Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) permit under the California Retail Food Code; merchandise vendors only need the city license and CDTFA seller's permit. City rules: A City of Sonoma business license under SMC Ch. 5.04 is required, and operators within the right-of-way may need to comply with SMC Ch. 12.20 encroachment rules to the extent consistent with SB 946.
Fines for sidewalk vending without a required local permit are capped at $250 / $500 / $1,000 escalating per Gov. Code §51039(a)(2). Fines for vending in violation of local regulations (with a permit) are capped at $100 / $200 / $500. Cities may not require a vendor to surrender permits or arrest a vendor for vending alone. Operating a food cart without a CMFO permit is a misdemeanor under Cal. Health & Safety Code §114395.
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