Richmond, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)

Location restrictions for food trucks in Richmond balance mobile vendor access with protection of brick-and-mortar restaurant interests. While the California Vehicle Code preempts cities from regulating MFFs on public streets in ways inconsistent with state law, cities may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Typical Richmond restrictions include: no parking within 100-500 feet of a permitted restaurant's primary entrance during the restaurant's operating hours; time limits on continuous parking in one location (commonly 1-4 hours); prohibition from residential zones except during events; and distance requirements from schools (except during permitted events).

SB 946 (Sidewalk Vendors Act) limits how restrictively cities can regulate sidewalk vending, requiring any restrictions to be based on public health, safety, or welfare rather than economic protectionism. Food trucks must comply with all parking rules, cannot block ADA access, cannot obstruct sidewalks, and must provide adequate setback from streets. Trash and grease disposal from the truck cannot be left at the vending location. Event vending (farmers markets, festivals) operates under separate special event permits.