Anaheim, CA Street Vending: Vendor Permits (2026)

California SB 946 (codified at Government Code 51036 through 51039) preempted cities from banning sidewalk vending outright and limited local regulation to objective health, safety, welfare, and concurrent use concerns. Anaheim adopted its sidewalk vending program in Anaheim Municipal Code Chapter 4.30, requiring every sidewalk vendor operating on public sidewalks or pedestrian paths to obtain a city-issued sidewalk vending permit. The application requires name and contact information, a California seller permit if taxable goods are sold, a food facility health permit from the Orange County Health Care Agency if food is sold, and proof the vendor has completed required food handler certification. Permits are issued to the individual vendor and are not transferable. Stationary vendors (those operating from a fixed location on a sidewalk) face tighter zoning restrictions than roaming vendors who move continuously and stop only to complete a sale. Permit fees are set at cost-recovery levels as required by SB 946. First violations are administrative tickets starting at around 100 dollars. Criminal penalties are prohibited by state law, and the city cannot require proof of citizenship or immigration status. Operating without a permit is an administrative infraction, and the cart or merchandise may be impounded if the vendor has received prior notices and continues to operate without compliance.