Mobile food vendors in Sonoma may operate on private property with the owner's consent and in compliance with zoning, and on public sidewalks subject to the state Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946, Cal. Gov. Code §51036 et seq.). On-street vending generally requires an encroachment permit under SMC Ch. 12.20. State law (Cal. Veh. Code §22455) bars sales from commercial vehicles in roadways that create a traffic hazard.
Private property: A food truck on private property must comply with Title 19 (Sonoma Development Code) use rules for the underlying zone, obtain the owner's consent, and not block sight lines or required parking. Most general commercial zones permit temporary mobile food uses subject to a temporary use permit through the City of Sonoma Planning Department. Public sidewalks: SB 946 (Cal. Gov. Code §§51036–51039) decriminalizes sidewalk vending statewide; cities may impose objective time, place, and manner restrictions but cannot ban vending outright. State law requires 4 feet of clear pedestrian passage at all times and access to a permanently installed restroom within 200 feet when stationary more than an hour. Roadways: California Vehicle Code §22455 allows ice-cream-truck-style sales from commercial vehicles but the operator must safely stop, may not impede traffic, and must comply with local ordinances designed to protect minors. Encroachment: Operations within the public right-of-way are addressed by SMC Ch. 12.20, which generally requires an encroachment permit administered by the City.
Sidewalk vending violations under SB 946 are administrative; fines are capped by Gov. Code §51039 at $100 / $200 / $500 escalating, or $250 / $500 / $1,000 if vending without a required permit. Encroachment violations are abated by the City under SMC Ch. 12.20. Vehicle Code violations are infractions under Cal. Veh. Code §40000.1.
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