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

San Francisco Public Works Code Article 5.9 regulates street vendor permits. Vendors selling merchandise or prepackaged food or drink from stands, tables, non-motorized carts, or wagons need a Street Vendor Permit from the Department of Public Works. The annual permit fee is $484 plus an $11 Board of Appeals surcharge. Vendors may be stationary (selling from fixed locations) or roaming (moving place to place). Stationary vendors may not operate in exclusively residentially zoned areas. All vendors must maintain a minimum 6-foot-wide path for pedestrians on the sidewalk. If the sidewalk is too narrow or has obstructions like bus stops or bike parking, permits cannot be issued. Vendors selling prepackaged food must also obtain permits from the SF Department of Public Health. Those using an energy source (propane, generators) need a San Francisco Fire Department permit. San Francisco Police Department enforces vendor compliance on the street. The city distinguishes between street vendor permits (Article 5.9) and mobile food facility permits (Article 5.8) for prepared food operations.