How to get a Sidewalk Vending Permit

Congratulations on starting the process to acquire the City of Santa Monica Sidewalk Vending Permit and Business License. If you plan to sell food or merchandise in Santa Monica from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack or other non-motorized conveyance, or from one’s person, on a public sidewalk, permitted pedestrian path, or the beach, you will need a Business License and a Vending permit issued by the City of Santa Monica and a seller’s permit issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. As part of the City’s program, sidewalk vending is restricted in certain congested, high-traffic areas to protect public safety. This includes on and within 100 feet of the Pier, where all vending is prohibited except the City’s existing licensed vendor cart program. Stationary vending is also not permitted at the beach, Third Street Promenade, or portions of Palisades Park within 500 feet of the Pier Bridge.

Sidewalk vendors must obtain a business license and a sidewalk vending permit prior to engaging in sidewalk vending in Santa Monica. Sidewalk vending business licenses and vending permits are valid through June 30 of each year and must be renewed on July 1 of each year.

Additional Resources:

For a graphic representation, please see A Guide to Sidewalk Vending in Santa Monica.
To watch an informational video on sidewalk vending, please click here.
For information regarding the City of Santa Monica Single Use Carryout Bag Ban, click here.
For information regarding the City of Santa Monica Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance, click here.

Jump to Section:

Online

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -

Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish), Prohibition on Use of Combustible Fuels Administrative Regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 6.36 related to Vending.
Determine Your Business Name
+ -

If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click here for more information.
Obtain a California Seller's Permit
+ -

For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Tax & Fee Administration click here.
Obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit (Food Vendors Only)
+ -

For information on how to obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit, click here.
Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Vendor Permit
+ -

Supplemental Sidewalk Vending Form - English
Supplemental Sidewalk Vending Form - Spanish
With your online submission, please include the following supplemental documents:
1. A photograph of your operational set up. This should be an image of your cart, table or wagon.
2. A copy of your Los Angeles County Health Permit (food vendors only).
3. A copy of your California Seller’s Permit or the number.
Submit Your Complete Application
+ -

Complete the online submission using the online system, here. Be sure to include all of the supplemental documents and the Supplemental Vehicle Vendor form and upload them with your online application submission.
Submit Payment
+ -

Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with an instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.
When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate and vendor permit will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license and sidewalk vendor permit will be denied.

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -

Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish), Prohibition on Use of Combustible Fuels Administrative Regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 6.36 related to Vending.
Determine Your Business Name
+ -

If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click here for more information.
Obtain a California Seller's Permit
+ -

For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Tax & Fee Administration click here.
Obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit (Food Vendors Only)
+ -

For information on how to obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit, click here.
Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Vendor Permit
+ -

Sidewalk Vending Application Packet - English
Sidewalk Vending Application Packet - Spanish
With your application submission, please include the following supplemental documents:
1. A photograph of your operational set up. This should be an image of your cart, table or wagon.
2. A copy of your Los Angeles County Health Permit (food vendors only).
3. A copy of your California Seller’s Permit or the number.
4. Business License Tax and Permit fees.
Submit Your Complete Application
+ -

Email the completed application and supplemental documentation to business.license@santamonica.gov.
When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate and vendor permit will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license and sidewalk vendor permit will be denied.

Mail

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -

Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish), Prohibition on Use of Combustible Fuels Administrative Regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 6.36 related to Vending.
Determine Your Business Name
+ -

If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click here for more information.
Obtain a California Seller's Permit
+ -

For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Tax & Fee Administration click here.
Obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit (Food Vendors Only)
+ -

For information on how to obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit, click here.
Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Vendor Permit
+ -

Sidewalk Vending Application Packet - English
Sidewalk Vending Application Packet - Spanish
With your application submission, please include the following supplemental documents:
1. A photograph of your operational set up. This should be an image of your cart, table or wagon.
2. A copy of your Los Angeles County Health Permit (food vendors only).
3. A copy of your California Seller’s Permit or the number.
4. Business License Tax and Permit fees.
Submit Your Complete Application
+ -

Mail the completed application and supplemental documentation to:

City of Santa Monica
Business License Unit
P.O. Box 2200
Santa Monica, CA 90407-2200

When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate and vendor permit will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license and sidewalk vendor permit will be denied.

In-Person

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -

Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish), Prohibition on Use of Combustible Fuels Administrative Regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 6.36 related to Vending.
Determine Your Business Name
+ -

If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click here for more information.
Obtain a California Seller's Permit
+ -

For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Tax & Fee Administration click here.
Obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit (Food Vendors Only)
+ -

For information on how to obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit, click here.
Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Vendor Permit
+ -

Sidewalk Vending Application Packet - English
Sidewalk Vending Application Packet - Spanish
With your application submission, please include the following supplemental documents:
1. A photograph of your operational set up. This should be an image of your cart, table or wagon.
2. A copy of your Los Angeles County Health Permit (food vendors only).
3. A copy of your California Seller’s Permit or the number.
4. Business License Tax and Permit fees.
Submit Your Complete Application
+ -

Applications can be accepted in person by appointment. Click HERE to make an appointment. Bring your completed application and supplemental documentation to the Business License office located at:

City of Santa Monica
City Hall East
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate and vendor permit will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license and sidewalk vendor permit will be denied.

Contact Us:

(310) 458-8745
business.license@santamonica.gov

FAQ

How is a sidewalk vendor defined?

A sidewalk vendor is a person who sells food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack or other nonmotorized conveyance, or from one’s person, upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path.

Are there different types of sidewalk vendors?

The following definitions apply to sidewalk vending:

Roaming Sidewalk Vendor is a sidewalk vendor who moves from place to place and stops only to complete a transaction.
Stationary Sidewalk Vendor is a sidewalk vendor who vends from a fixed location.

Where can I conduct my sidewalk vending operations?

Sidewalk vending can be conducted on most sidewalks and pedestrian paths in the City, but there are restrictions on where stationary vending can take place and the hours when roaming vending can take place in residential locations. In addition, no vending is allowed on private property, the Santa Monica Pier (including within 100 feet of the Pier), a farmer’s market, permitted community events or filming activities, a bike path, a street, driveway, or public parking lot.

Stationary sidewalk vending is also prohibited within 25 feet of the Third Street Promenade, the Transit Mall, the Beach, in residential areas, the 1700 block of Ocean Front Walk, the beach bike path, and portions of the Palisades Park within 500 feet of the Pier entrance. Roaming sidewalk vending is not allowed in residential areas between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Please review the Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish) for additional time and place restrictions on sidewalk vending.

Can I vend on the Santa Monica Pier?

To promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public, all sidewalk vending of food and commercial products on and around the Santa Monica pier are prohibited in these locations:

On Santa Monica Pier other than from locations designated and managed under the authority of an approved license/concession agreement
On the Santa Monica Pier Bridge
Within 100 feet from the Santa Monica Pier

In addition, stationary vending is prohibited in any portion of Palisades Park that is within 500 feet of the Ocean Avenue entrance point to the Pier Bridge. Roaming vending is permitted in Palisades Park as long as the roaming vendor is at least 100 feet from the Pier Bridge.

Can I vend on the Santa Monica Beach?

Roaming vendors may vend on the beach but not within 100 feet of the Pier, Pier bridge, or entrances to the Pier. Details on prohibited areas can be found in Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish) in section 4.3 Special Regulations for the parks and the beach.

Can I vend at the farmer’s market, swap meet or a temporary special event?

No, Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 6.36.040(a) prohibits vending at a certified farmers’ market or permitted community events, unless authorized by or with the consent by the City.

What is the maximum dimensions of a permitted cart or operational set up?

While in operation, all sidewalk vending equipment must not exceed the following operational size of 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. All sidewalk vendors must adjust or relocate their operations to ensure that there remains at minimum 4 feet clearance on the sidewalk and or pedestrian path.

Can I leave my vending cart or goods and merchandise unattended?

No. The Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish) prohibit sidewalk vendors from leaving their sidewalk vending equipment or their food, goods, or merchandise unattended at any time. Unattended means that the vendor is not within 10 feet of the sidewalk vending equipment or the vendor’s food, goods, or merchandise. Items unattended for 30 minutes are considered abandoned and subject to impoundment. See Section 6 of the Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish) for more information.

Can I dump my waste in public trash cans or dumpsters?

All vendors are prohibited from dumping any liquid or solid waste in any public trash can, public dumpster, public right-of-way, City streets, City vehicles, parks, or beach property. Also, vendors are responsible for clean-up and removal of any food item, package, refuse, waste, litter and any other items or materials occurring because of or related to their food and merchandise sales. Vendors shall provide rodent-proof trash receptacles and remove all waste and litter collected or discarded. In addition, Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 7.48.025 prohibits any business (whether a vendor or another type of business) from depositing litter from that business in a public receptacle.

What happens if I violate the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance and Administrative Regulations?

Violations of Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 6.36 or the Santa Monica Sidewalk Administrative Regulations (English | Spanish) by a sidewalk vendor operating on the sidewalk or pedestrian path are punishable through administrative fines, as required by SB 946. However, sidewalk vendors remain subject to the generally applicable laws and, just like any other person, may be subject to criminal penalties if those laws are violated.

How do I request an Ability-to-Pay Determination for sidewalk vending citations?

This site explains How to Obtain a Financial Hardship Waiver. Pursuant to Senate Bill No. 946 as codified at Government Code Section 51039(f), you have the right to request an ability-to-pay determination. Ability-to-pay requests must be filed with the City of Santa Monica Finance Division. A sidewalk vendor who is issued an administrative fine for vending on sidewalk or pedestrian path in violation of Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 6.36 or its administrative regulations may request an ability-to-pay determination at adjudication or while the judgment remains unpaid, including when a case is delinquent or has been referred to a comprehensive collection program. For more information, please visit Finance Billing & Collections webpage, call Finance at (310) 458-8281, or visit the Finance office at 1685 Main Street in Santa Monica.

Minimum License Tax:	$50.00
CASp* (State Mandated Fee):	$4.00
Regulatory Permit Fee (depending on your business activity):	$75.59
Potential Total Amount:	$129.59

Jump to Section:

Continue the Process:

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Determine Your Business Name

Obtain a California Seller's Permit

Obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit (Food Vendors Only)

Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Vendor Permit

Submit Your Complete Application

Submit Payment

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Determine Your Business Name

Obtain a California Seller's Permit

Obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit (Food Vendors Only)

Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Vendor Permit

Submit Your Complete Application

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Determine Your Business Name

Obtain a California Seller's Permit

Obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit (Food Vendors Only)

Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Vendor Permit

Submit Your Complete Application

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Determine Your Business Name

Obtain a California Seller's Permit

Obtain a Los Angeles County Health Permit (Food Vendors Only)

Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Vendor Permit

Submit Your Complete Application

Contact Us:

Vendor Permit Fees