Street vending cart rules in San Francisco, CA — also called pushcart, food cart, or sidewalk vendor regulations — set where mobile vendors can operate and what permits they need.
San Francisco distinguishes between merchandise carts (Article 5.9) and mobile food facilities (Article 5.8). Food carts must comply with DPH health permits, fire safety requirements, and Public Works siting rules. All carts must be non-motorized, temporary, and easily removable.
San Francisco regulates carts under two Public Works Code articles. Article 5.9 covers merchandise and prepackaged food carts, which must be non-motorized, temporary, and easily removable. Article 5.8 covers mobile food facilities (food trucks and carts serving prepared food). Food carts serving prepared food must obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from Public Works, a health permit from the Department of Public Health, and a fire safety inspection from SFFD if using propane or other fuel. Cart dimensions and design must allow a minimum 6-foot pedestrian clearance. Carts may not be left unattended on sidewalks or stored in public right-of-way overnight. Operators must carry their permit at all times and display it on the cart. Commissary requirements apply to food carts: all mobile food vendors must operate from a licensed commissary where the cart is stored, cleaned, and serviced when not in use. Health inspections are conducted at both the cart and the commissary. Waste disposal must comply with DPH and DPW requirements.
Operating without required permits may result in citations starting at $250. Health code violations can result in immediate shutdown. Carts left in the right-of-way may be impounded by DPW.
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