San Bernardino, CA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Stationary in residential zones
- Prohibited citywide
- Stationary allowed
- Non-residential/mixed-use zones
- Non-residential vending hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
- Roaming vending hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Buffer distance
- 10 ft from hydrants, bus stops, ramps
- Fine, first violation
- Up to $100
Summary
San Bernardino bans stationary sidewalk vending in residential zones citywide, allowing it only in non-residential and mixed-use zones under Municipal Code § 5.30.060, with added restrictions near parks, farmers markets and swap meets under § 5.30.070. Roaming vendors face separate hour and location limits.
(A) Stationary sidewalk vendors shall be prohibited from operating or establishing in any residential zone of the city. (B) Stationary sidewalk vendors may operate in non-residential zones of the city, including mixed use zones, provided they meet the following: (1) The sidewalk vendor is duly licensed and meets all requirements of § 5.30.030; (2) The sidewalk vendor can set up his or her vending operation while still leaving a minimum of 36 inches of accessible path of travel, without obstruction, along the public sidewalk or public pathway ... (6) Sidewalk vending hours shall be conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. the following day ... (9) No vending shall occur within ten feet of a fire hydrant, fire escape, bus stop, loading zone, handicapped parking space or access ramp, fire station driveway or police station driveway.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
060(A) states flatly that "stationary sidewalk vendors shall be prohibited from operating or establishing in any residential zone of the city," while (B) permits stationary vending "in non-residential zones of the city, including mixed use zones," subject to fourteen conditions: a valid permit, a minimum 36-inch accessible path of travel, no setup within ten feet of a fire hydrant, fire escape, bus stop, loading zone, accessible parking space, access ramp, or fire or police station driveway, no tables, chairs, fences or freestanding signs, no exterior storage of goods or refuse, and no vending near a certified farmers' market, swap meet or permitted temporary event.
the following day under (B)(6). 070 separately governs city parks: vending is barred entirely where a city has an exclusive concession contract for similar food, or in an area occupied by a certified farmers' market, and in parks located within a residential zone only roaming vendors, not stationary ones, are allowed. Park vendors must stop one hour before closing. , may not conduct sales from a public street, and are barred near farmers markets, swap meets or permitted events.
Violations & Fines
Vending in a prohibited zone, such as stationary vending in a residential district, violates § 5.30.060(A) and is punishable under § 5.30.120(A) by an administrative fine up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each additional violation within that year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a food cart set up in a San Bernardino residential neighborhood?
What areas are off-limits to stationary sidewalk vendors?
What hours can sidewalk vendors operate in San Bernardino?
Can vendors sell inside city parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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Vending Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle vending zones.