Welcome to LA County’s
Sidewalk Vending Program
Empowering micro-businesses with a formal pathway to sidewalk vending and creating a more vibrant economy for our communities.
About the Program
The LA County Sidewalk Vending Program is here to support and advance permitted sidewalk vending within the unincorporated areas of LA County. This program provides a pathway for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses into a newly legalized open-air economy, offering economic opportunities for vendors as well as conditions for better public health, safety, and well-being for all vendors, brick and mortar businesses, and communities.
DEO is here to help existing and new sidewalk vendors access:
- Sidewalk vending registration
- Educational Workshops
- 1:1 technical assistance to register
and stay compliant
- No and low-cost vending carts
- Business resources like legal aid
and capital
Per the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, which became effective on August 5th, all sidewalk vendors – both stationary and roaming – are required to register with DEO for a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate, which allows you to operate in the unincorporated areas of LA County.
Get Started
1. Check your Vending Location
The Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate (SVRC) is for sidewalk vending businesses in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. If you are operating outside of LA County’s unincorporated area, check LA City’s Sidewalk Vending Program or your local city’s rules and regulations. DEO is also here to support sidewalk vending businesses, countywide, with information and referrals to your relevant jurisdiction or permitting agency as well as access to business resources through our Office of Small Business and partners.
2. Prepare to Apply
These are the minimum required documents to complete the SVRC application, when fully live on September 5th to the public. Make sure you are ready by asking for DEO assistance today.
- Email Address
- $0 permit application or annual renewal fee (fully subsidized the first year, and $100 the following year)
- Any government-issued identification. IDs may include but not limited to: Passport, State Issued ID, Matricula Consular Card, Driver’s License
Permits and Licenses Required
You need these additional permits and licenses. DEO can assist you in obtaining these required permits and licenses.
California Seller's Permit
Apply for a free California Seller’s Permit online via the Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration.
Tax ID or EIN Number
Obtain a free tax identification or employee identification number for your business.
Business License
Get your industry specific business license through the County’s Treasurer and Tax Collector.
Fictitious Business Name
Let consumers know who they’re doing business with and prevent duplication of business name.
Additional Health Permits: For Food Vendors Only
Compact Food Mobile Operations (CMFO)
Learn how to get your CMFO permit if you sell pre-cut or prepared food through the Department of Public Health.
Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Permit
Legally operate a business from your home kitchen! Available beginning November 2024 through the Department of Public Health.
Code Compliant Carts for Food Vendors
Access 75% permit subsidies for CMFO and MEHKO (coming soon), and lottery for vending carts (coming soon) through DEO.
3. Apply
A. Visit epicla.lacounty.gov.
B. Register on EPIC LA (if you already have an EPIC LA account,
move onto the next step)
C. Search for the application:
“Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate”
D. Submit required information
E. Submit attachments:
Required documents, permits, and photos of your cart
F. Electronically sign acknowledgements and attestations
E. Submit Application
Get Help!
Support that fits your Sidewalk Vending business needs!
Learn about the Sidewalk Vending Program and permit
Get 1:1 help or a class to help you register
Access subsidies and support for food permits
Refer to no-cost legal aid and capital opportunities
1:1 Assistance
You can also apply with the help of DEO’s Small Business Concierge or one of DEO’s community partners:
DEO’s Office of Small Business (OSB)
and Concierge Services
Visit: 4716 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles 90022
Email:
sidewalkvending@opportunity.
lacounty.gov
Call: (844) 432-4900
Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 4:30pm
Inclusive Action for the City
Visit: 2900 E Cesar E. Chavez Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Email: info@inclusiveaction.org
Call: (323) 604-9765
Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI)
Community Partners and free business consultants available to provide in-person or virtual support for sidewalk vending and all other business needs at a location near you.
Enroll to get help by visiting lacountyemi.com.
Take a Workshop
Join our group sessions to gain information on the Sidewalk Vending Program and registration, support in applying and staying compliant, and access to your California Food Handlers Certificate, CMFO and MEHKO subsidies for permits, and digital payment methods.
Access Application Toolkit
Get help with your sidewalk vending permit application. Videos coming soon!
Understand the Rules
Start your vending journey by learning about the different types of vending available in LA County, what you can sell, and where you can sell. Our easy-to-follow process ensures you meet all legal requirements and can operate safely within the county.
Food Carts for La County VEndors
The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is seeking manufacturers, engineers, or authorized resellers to design and deliver up to 180+ food carts, including integrated grill carts, hot-holding carts, prepackaged food carts, and cut fruit carts, for sidewalk vendors that are compliant with the CA Retail Food Code.
This Request for Bid supports the County’s new Sidewalk Vending Ordinance and Program, effective August 4th. All vendors in Unincorporated Areas of LA County must have a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate and compliant carts/set up. DEO will distribute no-cost carts to our vending community, supporting their economic opportunity and community health, safety, and wellbeing.
DEO will distribute no-cost carts to sidewalk vendors to promote economic growth and community health, safety, and well-being.
Get ready to apply by October 15 and do the following:
You must register as a vendor with LA County at doingbusiness.lacounty.gov.
Check out the Request for Bid requirements at bit.ly/FoodCartRFB and attend a virtual non-mandatory bidder’s conference!
- September 26, 2024 at 10am
RSVP:bit.ly/SVBiddersConference
Get your cart blueprint approved by the Department of Public Health (DPH). Note – post-bid approvals are accepted but must be acquired prior to award. For questions, please contact the Los Angeles County DPH’s Environmental Health Mobile Food Program:
- Phone: (626) 430-5560
- Email: PlanCheck_Food@ph.lacounty.gov
Additional training for cart blueprints will be available here at a later date.
Bidders must submit proposal by October 15th with blueprint(s) of cart design(s) approved by the LA County Department of Public Health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (SVO) become law?
The SVO effective date is August 4, 2024. Vendors will be able to apply for a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate or permit as required under the SVO as of September 5, 2024 with a six month window to register for the first time.
Now that the SVO has taken effect, what do I have to do?
Beginning September 5, you will be able to apply for a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate online by visiting www.opportunity.lacounty.gov/how-we-help/sidewalk-vending-la-county or directly with DEO’s Office of Small Business. Between August 5 and September 5, DEO and partners will conduct pilot applications with a select group of vendors and partners in anticipation of full implementation.
To prepare, we highly advise that you organize all necessary documentation required to apply. You can learn more by visiting the DEO website or connecting with DEO’s Office of Small Business and Concierge Services by calling (844) 432-4900 or emailing at sidewalkvending@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
What if I don’t get my permit right away, what will happen to my business?
To help ensure vendors have sufficient time to get the necessary documentation to apply for Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate, the DEO will provide a 6-month grace period in which it will focus primarily on educating and assisting vendors in their application process as well as staying compliant with existing health and safety laws.
Where can I go for assistance?
New or operating sidewalk vendors can contact DEO at (844) 432-4900 or email sidewalkvending@opportunity.lacounty.gov for assistance.
Who are Sidewalk Vendors?
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 a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate by applying with the DEO. Prior to being issued a sidewalk vending certificate some sidewalk vendors will be required to also obtain food permits from the County Department of Public Health, as well as any relevant registration or permit required to vend in other municipalities in the County.
Who manages Sidewalk Vendors in LA 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 permit like the Compact Mobile Food Operators (CMFO) with Public Health,
- 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.
Who enforces Sidewalk Vending in LA County?
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.
Once the grace period of 6 months expires, DEO has the authority to both register and enforce vendor registration and compliance through progressive fees in the Unincorporated Areas of LA County.
What is the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance and why is it important?
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 Registration Certificate 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.
I want to log a concern or complaint with DEO today regarding vending or I want DEO to come out and see what is happening in my community. Who do I reach out to?
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: www.opportunity.lacounty.gov/how-we-help/sidewalk-vending-la-county 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 Department of Public Health’s Mobile Food Program at – ehvip@ph.lacounty.gov; (626) 430-5500; or our Customer Call Center (888) 700-9995.
I heard there may be available carts as part of DEO’s Sidewalk Vending Program. How do I get one?
DEO will be supporting up to 200+ no-cost carts for first-time DEO registered and Public Health permitted food vendors in the coming year with American Rescue Plan funds.
Interested parties should monitor DEO’s website at opportunity.lacounty.gov and social channels @econoppla (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn) as well as sign up for updates via newsletter by visiting here: bit.ly/SubscribeDEO. These will be available starting fall of 2024.
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