Street vendor permits in San Jose, CA — sometimes called sidewalk vendor licenses, mobile vendor permits, or peddler permits — are the licenses required to sell goods or food on public property.
Sidewalk vendors in San Jose must obtain a permit from the San Jose Police Department under SJMC Chapter 6.54 (Peddler Permit Ordinance) and comply with California SB 946 (Safe Sidewalk Vending Act). Vendors selling for more than 2 hours need an additional Administrative Permit from the Planning Department (SJMC §20.80.820). Food vendors must hold a valid Santa Clara County health permit.
San Jose regulates sidewalk vending through SJMC Chapter 6.54 (Peddler Permit Ordinance) in compliance with California SB 946 (Safe Sidewalk Vending Act of 2018). Everyone selling on sidewalks or other public property must obtain a permit from the San Jose Police Department. Vendors operating for more than 2 hours at a single location are classified as stationary vendors and need an additional Administrative Permit from the San Jose Planning Department under SJMC §20.80.820. Food vendors must also hold a valid permit from the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health. SB 946 decriminalized sidewalk vending statewide and limits municipal regulation to health, safety, and welfare concerns. The city cannot impose criminal penalties for unpermitted vending under SB 946. Permit processing takes 2-6 weeks depending on type, with food vendor permits taking longer due to health department inspections. Fresh fruit and vegetable vendors follow a separate checklist under §20.80.820. The SJPD Permits Unit processes all initial vendor permit applications.
First violation: written warning per SB 946. Subsequent violations: administrative fines up to $250 second offense, $500 third within one year. No criminal penalties for unpermitted vending under state law. Health permit violations: separate Santa Clara County enforcement.
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