Street vending cart rules in Los Angeles, CA — also called pushcart, food cart, or sidewalk vendor regulations — set where mobile vendors can operate and what permits they need.
LA sidewalk vending carts must be non-motorized conveyances (pushcarts, pedal-driven carts, wagons, stands) under LAMC §42.13. Food carts must comply with LA County Department of Public Health requirements including approved food handling surfaces, handwashing stations, and waste receptacles. Carts may not be left unattended on public sidewalks overnight.
Under LAMC §42.13, sidewalk vendors must use non-motorized conveyances such as pushcarts, stands, displays, pedal-driven carts, wagons, showcases, or racks. Motorized vehicles, trailers, and food trucks are regulated separately and not covered by the sidewalk vending permit. Food vending carts must meet Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) requirements, which include approved food-contact surfaces, overhead protection from contamination, handwashing station with potable water, proper food temperature maintenance (hot foods above 135F, cold foods below 41F), waste receptacles, and a valid health permit displayed on the cart. Merchandise carts must not obstruct ADA-compliant pathways. All carts must be removed from public sidewalks at the end of each vending day and may not be stored on public property overnight. Signage on carts must include the vendor's permit number. Propane or open-flame cooking devices must comply with LAFD requirements and may be restricted in certain areas.
Cart violations: administrative fines starting at $250. Health code violations on food carts: LACDPH enforcement, potential closure order. Overnight storage on sidewalk: impoundment of cart and equipment.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles tows vehicles left on any public street for over 72 consecutive hours under LAMC 80.73.2 and California Vehicle Code 22651(k). Vehicles also qual...
Los Angeles, CA
Anyone caring for injured native wildlife in Los Angeles must hold a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit under Fish and...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles bans launching, landing, or operating drones over all city parks and beaches under LAMC 56.31. Recreational pilots must follow FAA rules: stay be...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles banned single-use plastic carryout bags at large supermarkets effective January 1, 2014 and extended the ban citywide to all retailers on July 1,...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles enforces the federal Tobacco 21 minimum age plus California state law. All tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited. LA County al...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles collects yard waste weekly in the green organics bin alongside food scraps under California SB 1383. Branches under 4 feet long and 4 inches diam...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle cart & stand rules.
See how Los Angeles's cart & stand rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.