Murrieta, CA Street Vending: Vendor Permits (2026)

California's SB 946 (2018) decriminalized sidewalk vending and preempted many local prohibitions. Murrieta regulates sidewalk vending through a permit program consistent with Government Code 51036-51039, requiring vendors to obtain a city sidewalk vendor permit, a Riverside County Department of Environmental Health permit for food vending, and a California seller's permit for sales tax. Applications typically require identification, proof of county health permit for food vendors, liability insurance, and a description of the operation. Permit fees must be cost-recovery only and proportionate. Criminal penalties are prohibited; only administrative fines may be imposed, with statutory caps of 100 dollars for first offense, 200 dollars for second, and 500 dollars for subsequent violations within a year (Gov Code 51039). Vendors cannot be prohibited from operating in public parks except for reasons directly related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns. Complete prohibitions are not allowed; cities may only impose regulations directly tied to health, safety, or welfare.