Riverside County, CA Street Vending: Vending Zones (2026)

California SB 946 expressly prohibits local governments from restricting sidewalk vending to exclusive zones or banning it from entire geographic areas, except in narrow circumstances. Riverside County Ordinance No. 875 accordingly limits vending regulation to objective operational standards: vendors must maintain minimum sidewalk clearance (generally 48 inches for ADA), may not vend within 25 feet of transit stops during operating hours, may not operate within bus lanes or loading zones, and may not block driveways or fire hydrants. Vending is permitted in parks only in designated areas to avoid conflicts with concession contracts (SB 946 allows exclusive-concession-based restrictions). Farmers' markets, swap meets, and special-event areas have their own licensing. Roaming vendors (those walking) have fewer restrictions than stationary vendors. During large public events (fairs, parades), temporary vending exclusion zones may be imposed with notice. Enforcement of unauthorized vending zones is limited to civil infractions; criminal penalties are banned under SB 946.