LA County’s Sidewalk Vending Program

The SVO effective date is August 4, 2024. Vendors will be able to apply for an SVRC or permit as required under the SVO as of September 5, 2024 with a six month window to register for the first time.

Beginning September 5, 2024, applications for an SVRC are available online by visiting opportunity.lacounty.gov/how-we-help/sidewalk-vending-program or directly with DEO’s Office of Small Business.

To prepare, organize all necessary documentation required to apply. Learn more by connecting with DEO’s Office of Small Business and Concierge Services by calling (844) 432-4900 or emailing at sidewalkvending@opportunity.lacounty.gov.

New or operating sidewalk vendors can contact DEO at (844) 432-4900 or email sidewalkvending@opportunity.lacounty.gov for assistance.

New or operating sidewalk vendors can contact DEO at (844) 432-4900 or email sidewalkvending@opportunity.lacounty.gov for assistance.

Sidewalk vendors are part of LA County’s “open-air economy”. They are individuals who sell food or merchandise while stationary or mobile sales on a public sidewalk or pedestrian path.

The SVO requires sidewalk vendors in unincorporated areas of the County to obtain an SVRC by applying with DEO. Prior to being issued an SVRC, some sidewalk vendors will be required to also obtain food permits from DPH, as well as any relevant registration or permit required to vend in other municipalities in the County.

DEO serves sidewalk vendors countywide through the Sidewalk Vending Program, providing outreach, education, and referrals on how to stay compliant with both County and municipal codes and how to access resources like legal aid and capital to start and grow their business through DEO’s Office of Small Business.

The goal of the Sidewalk Vending Program is to encourage entrepreneurship and compliance among vendors to ensure the health, safety, and well-being for all vendors, brick and mortar businesses, and community members.

DEO will collaborate with other relevant County Departments while leading the effort to implement the new program.

DEO’s Office of Small Business currently partners with Inclusive Action for the City and Community Power Collective to canvas corridors, providing compliance support with County and municipal codes, and preparing vendors for the upcoming launch of the Sidewalk Vending Program for the unincorporated areas of LA County.

Partner County agencies also engage with sidewalk vendors for specific permits and licenses and use of public and private space, depending on what the vendor sells and where. The following departments have the authority to determine compliance and enforcement for:

• Health and safety permits like the CMFO permit with DPH,
• Public right of way and ADA compliance with Public Works,
• Private property usage with Regional Planning,
• Business licenses with Treasurer Tax Collector,
• Place-based vending agreements with Beaches and Harbors and Parks, and
• Other legal matters with Sheriff.

As a key point of contact, DEO works with vendors to manage education and compliance with all relevant government entities prior to enforcement. We deliver a Care First engagement strategy before we enforce.

DEO does not enforce the authorities of fellow departments but works as a coordinating partner for vendors and local communities to resolve issues of compliance and enforcement where necessary.

DEO will be in vending communities offering information, assessment, and bringing forth plans, resources, and partner agencies to expedite compliance.

DEO has the authority to both register and enforce vendor registration and compliance through progressive fees in the unincorporated areas of LA County.

The SVO codifies state laws that decriminalize sidewalk vending – SB 946 and SB 972 – and 1) define a sidewalk vendor, 2) create a Sidewalk Vending Program and SVRC with DEO for the unincorporated areas, 3) set operational parameters for when and where someone can compliantly vend, and 4) give DEO authority to issue progressive fees for non-registration and non-compliance.

The ordinance allows sidewalk vendors to register with the County and come into full compliance with all relevant rules and regulations. It is the first pathway to compliance for sidewalk vendors in the unincorporated areas.

The ordinance allows the County to take clear and direct action to either bring non-registered or non-compliant vendors into compliance, where willing, or suspend operations.

The planned registration fees will be $0 in the first year for all first-time registrants and $100 in future years. DEO is using American Rescue Plan Act dollars to support affordable registration.

The ordinance relates to key rules and regulations. It is important to remember that DEO’s Sidewalk Vending Program will be broader and include robust outreach, education, resources, and coordination among County and municipal partners to ensure the County’s goals for broad community benefit are met.

New or operating sidewalk vendors or community members can contact DEO at (844) 432-4900 or email sidewalkvending@opportunity.lacounty.gov for assistance. They can also log a complaint by visiting: opportunity.lacounty.gov/how-we-help/sidewalk-vending-program and receive a reply within 48 hours.

To report a problem with illegal food dumping, sewage blockage and overnight items on the sidewalk, contact Public Works and visit https://pw.lacounty.gov/contact/.

To report unpermitted food vending contact DPH’s Mobile Food Program at – ehvip@ph.lacounty.gov; (626) 430-5500; or our Customer Call Center (888) 700-9995.