Street Vendor Resources

We’re proud to have been at the forefront of the movement to legalize street vending in Los Angeles and California. Now, we work to open doors of opportunity for street vendors – supporting vendors in getting their permits, making their business official, and accessing other resources.

Permitting Process 

Need help understanding the permitting process for Los Angeles County? 

1 First, the permitting process can vary depending on where you want to vend. 

  • Use the following link to identify the city or unincorporated area of Los Angeles County where you vend. 

2 Once you identify the city or area where you want to vend, it is important to understand the rules and regulations of sidewalk vending in that area. 

  • In Los Angeles County, there are 88 cities including the City of Los Angeles which is the largest city in the county. Each city may have their own sidewalk vending permitting process. 
  • There are areas within Los Angeles County that do not belong to one of the 88 cities. These areas are governed by the County of Los Angeles, and are known as UNINCORPORATED. 
  • Follow the links below to learn more about the sidewalk vending process in LA City and unincorporated LA County.

3 Now that you know the rules and regulations of where you will vend, you can begin the process of applying for the correct permits and certificates. 

  • Here are some of the items you may need! This list does not include every possible permit for every location, you must verify with the local government for your area to ensure you have the information you need. Depending on the products you sell, you may also need additional permits and certificates. 
Merchandise Sidewalk VendorPackaged Food Sidewalk VendorLow, Moderate, High Risk Food Sidewalk Vendor
☐ California Seller’s Permit (CDTFA)
☐ Sidewalk Vending ID
☐ Business license, from your vending city		☐ California Seller’s Permit (CDTFA)
☐ Sidewalk Vending ID
☐ Business license, from your vending city
☐ Department of Public Health CMFO Permit, depends on type of food sold		☐ California Seller’s Permit (CDTFA)
☐ Sidewalk Vending ID
☐ Business license, from your vending city
☐ Department of Public Health CMFO Permit

Additional steps you may be required to complete could be: 

Before attaining a certificate or permit, it is important to understand the reporting and financial obligations tied to your business. 

  • Many of the permits and certificates required for formalization have reporting periods, expiration dates, and may require routine inspections. Review this brochure with relevant information. 
  • Need more information on understanding how to sidewalk vend in LA County, review this Quick Guide.

Resources Available

Through our partnership with Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity, we have launched the Small Business Mobility Fund. This grant program is distributing over $1 million to sidewalk vendors that operate within unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. We’re distributing payments between $500 to $5,000 towards eligible permitting expenses, compliance-related costs, and specific business needs.

Review the eligibility requirements before applying:

  • Self-Employed Sidewalk Vendor – Must be a Sidewalk Vendor that vends food or merchandise. Must also be self-employed and not operate more than one cart. Applicants that apply on behalf of an employer shall be disqualified.
  • Geographic Boundaries – Must vend and operate a vending business on sidewalks in the unincorporated areas of the County and in accordance with the LA County Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. Applicants must live within LA County. To find out if you operate your vending business in the unincorporated areas of the County, please check here. 
  • When using the district locator tool 1) write your address and 2) if results include the word “Unincorporated,” it means the address provided is within the unincorporated area of LA County.
  • Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate (SVRC) – Must either have an existing Los Angeles County Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate (SVRC) or seek to become permitted through the grant for a SVRC and any related requirements. For more information, visit Welcome to the County’s Sidewalk Vending Program – Department of Economic Opportunity or contact (844) 432-4900.
  • Business Start Date – Must have started sidewalk vending business anytime prior to March 2023.
  • Revenue Thresholds – Households with income above $100,000 are not eligible, regardless of the number of members in the household.
  • COVID-19 Impact – Must have experienced financial loss and impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including loss of revenue during March 2019 to March 2023. 
  • Previous Awards – The grantee MUST NOT have received a COVID-19 recovery grant funded through ARPA from a local government agency, including the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, or under the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.
  • In Good Standing – Cannot have a record of repeatedly violating Health and Safety regulations. Business with a record may be reconsidered if able to prove significant effort towards addressing violations and meeting the requirements set forth by the SVRC and CA Health Code.
Apply Now

Other helpful links: