San Diego, CA Street Vending: Vendor Permits (2026)

On May 17, 2022, the San Diego City Council approved Ordinance O-21459 establishing comprehensive sidewalk vending regulations codified in SDMC Chapter 3, Article 6, Division 1. All sidewalk vendors must possess: a City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate, a Sidewalk Vending Permit (valid for one year, $38 fee), and a City-issued Photo ID displayed while vending. Key operational restrictions: vendors must maintain a minimum 48-inch accessible path of travel on the sidewalk; may not vend within 50 feet of another sidewalk vendor; may not vend on sidewalks less than 6 feet wide; may not vend in residential neighborhoods (zones with residential land use designations); and must stay at least 25 feet from piers and beach accesses and 50 feet from bus and trolley stations. Food vendors must also have a valid County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health food handling permit. The ordinance implements California SB 946 (the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act) which limits how cities can regulate sidewalk vendors but allows reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.