Sidewalk Vending Permit

$50, one time

Annual permit renewal is required. Permit renewals have no fee as long as the existing permit has not expired.

Permit fees are non-refundable.

All sidewalk vendors are required to follow the requirements of the Alameda Municipal Code Chapter VI, Article XX City Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. All Sidewalk Vending Permit Rules and Regulations are on pages 2-3 of the Sidewalk Vending Permit Application.

• Separate Sidewalk Vending Permits are required for each sidewalk vending facility
• Operating Hours
  • Residential Zones:  8AM or sunrise, whichever is later through 8PM or sunset, whichever is earlier, roaming vendors only
  • Commercial Zones: 7AM-10PM
  • Thompson Ave in December: Sidewalk vending allowed Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays or December 18-25 between 9AM and 4PM.  Sidewalk vending allowed on other days between 8AM and sunset. Roaming vendors only. No stationary vendors.
• Insurance and a business license is required
• City's Sidewalk Vending Permit and Alameda County Mobile Food Facility Permit must be displayed
• 48" minimum unobstructed sidewalk is required at all times; roaming vendors can allow 24" wide path and relocate if pedestrians cannot pass
• Foodware Ordinance requires compostable fiber based foodwares
• Straws and condiments by request only
• Sanitary conditions required. Vendors must maintain cleanliness, provide waste receptacles, promptly clean up after any spills and remove all trash. Vendors cannot dispose in public trash cans.
• Vendors cannot block access to businesses, residents or public facilities
• Electrical cords prohibited
• No flashing lights or electronic signs
• Vending in Public Parks: Park hours apply. Vendors cannot approach people to sell. Vending only allowed on paved areas.

Sidewalk vending is prohibited in the following locations:

1. City property that is not a right-of-way or public park. Sidewalk vending is prohibited in City-owned parking lots and City owned property at Alameda Point.
2. Anywhere outside of a sidewalk or pedestrian path. Sidewalk vending is prohibited on any street, parking areas, medians, bicycle lanes, or shared bicycle-pedestrian paths.
3. On any sidewalk or pedestrian path that results in an obstructed path of travel. A 48” minimum wide path of travel shall be maintained.
4. Within 25 feet of any crosswalk or intersection.
5. In any area that blocks traffic signals or signs.
6. In any driveway or parking lot access, or within 3 feet of any driveway/parking lot access.
7. Within 25 feet of any fire hydrant, fire call box, fire department connection, post indicator valves, or utility cabinets or equipment.
8. Next to police station, fire station, or hospital with an emergency room, including within 10 feet of any vehicular access.
9. Within 50 feet of any construction.
10. Within 10 feet of a trash can, public art installation, bike rack or electrical vehicle charging station.
11. Within 10 feet of a bus stop.
12. Within 10 feet of an outdoor dining area for a restaurant during the business hours of the restaurant.
13. Within 10 feet from the entrance or exit doorway to any building or an ATM machine.
14. Within 200 feet any school drop off/pick up areas.
15. Within 100 feet of any school campus while classes are in session, except during lunchtime when authorized by the school administrator.
16. Within 200 feet of any farmers market or special event.
17. Within Corica Park Golf Course.
18. Thompson Avenue between High Street and Fernside Boulevard, on High Street and Fernside Boulevard between Garfield Avenue and Fairview Avenue, during the month of December on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and from December 18 through December 25, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
    
    
    

Commercial Zones

No sidewalk vendor shall operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Commercial Zone means all zoning districts except R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5, and R-6.

Residential Zones

Roaming Vendors only. No Stationary vendors.

No roaming vendor after 8:00 p.m., or sunset, whichever is earlier, and before 8:00 a.m., or sunrise, whichever is later.

Residential Zone means the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5, and R-6 districts of the Zoning Map.

Sale of any of the following is prohibited and unlawful:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Adult-oriented material
• Tobacco, tobacco products, or electronic smoking devices
• Cannabis or cannabis products
• Weapons, including knives, guns, or explosives devices
• Items that are not for immediate sale
• Selling or offering to sell services, or engage in or offer to engage in any type of rental activity, including the rental of any goods or services
• Pharmaceuticals
• Any other merchandise prohibited by federal, state, or local law

The following submittal items are required.

1. Completed and signed Application Form
2. Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement
3. Sidewalk Vending Permit Insurance Agreement
4. Insurance Documents including:
   • Certificate of Insurance
   • Endorsements naming the City of Alameda as additional insured
   • See Sample Insurance Documents
5. City of Alameda Business License
6. Copy of California driver’s license or identification number, an individual taxpayer identification number, social security number, or other state-issued identification card.
7. A copy of a valid California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Seller’s Permit
8. For food vendors, a copy of a valid Mobile Food Facility Permit issued by Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.
9. Stationary Vendors: Provide a detailed site plan/map for your vending location
10. Mobile vendors: Provide your planned vending route.

Violation of permit rules and regulations and or vending without a valid sidewalk vending permit is subject to the following fines:

• $100 for the first violation
• $200 for the second violation within 1 year of the first violation
• $500 for the third and subsequent violations within 1 year of the first violation

Permits may be suspended or revoked for violations; unsafe or abandoned setups may be removed.

In 2018, the State of California passed Senate Bill 946 (Government Code Sections 51036 et seq), allowing sidewalk vending. In 2025, City of Alameda adopted the City Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. The Sidewalk Vending Ordinance is effective as of December 4, 2025 and allows the City to establish permit procedures, operational requirements, location restrictions and hours of operations. A Sidewalk Vending Permit is required for anyone who wants to sell food or merchandise on the sidewalk or public parks.

• Legally operate your vending business in Alameda.
• Access clearly defined locations and rules.
• Support the local community with safe and orderly vending.

Sidewalk Vending Ordinance

Sample Insurance Documents

City of Alameda Business License

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Seller's Permit

Alameda County Mobile Food Facility Permit