Vending Program
Vending in the City of Los Angeles
To vend on sidewalks and/or parks in the City of Los Angeles as of January 1, 2020, you must have a permit. Apply early and save money!
For assistance in preparing to apply for a permit, please contact one of the following BusinessSource Centers.
https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/local-business/businesssource-centers
The following is additional information on the Sidewalk and Park Vending Program:
Sidewalk and Park Vending Program - English
Sidewalk and Park Vending Program - Español
| Vending Permit Application Checklist | ||
| Requirements | Food Vending | Merchandise Vending |
| Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) |  |
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| California State Seller's Permit | |
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| Permit Fee | |
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| L.A. County Public Health Permit | |
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A. Application Process for Sidewalk and Vending Permits
Sidewalk and Park Vendors need to obtain the following in order to apply for a Sidewalk and Park Vending permit:
1. Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) from City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance
To start the BTRC process, click on the link below, go to the bottom of the "Business Registration Requirements" page, and select "Proceed" to begin.
https://latax.lacity.org/oofweb/eappreg/eappreg_criteria.cfm
To start the California State Seller's Permit process, click on the link below and select the "Register a New Business Activity" under the "Registration" column.
https://onlineservices.cdtfa.ca.gov
publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/sse_mff_PermitHandout.pdf
4. Sidewalk and Park Vending Application
Below is the application that you will need to fill out to begin the permit process at StreetsLA.
An annual permit fee will be required:
If you enroll on or before June 30, 2020, the fee is $291.
Effective July 1, 2020, the permit fee will be $541.
B. Applying for a Sidewalk and Park Vending Permit
Once you have prepared the necessary documents, you will need to visit the StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services) public counter to obtain your permit.
The following is information on our permit counter as well as a list of materials required to apply for a Sidewalk and Park Vending Permit.
Permit Counter
StreetsLA Investigation and Enforcement Division
1149 S. Broadway St., 3rd floor, Suite 350
Office: (213) 847-6000
Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Required Materials for Sidewalk and Park Vending Permit Application
The following original documents must be presented when applying for a Sidewalk and Park Vending Permit:
- Government Issued Photo ID (California Drivers License/ID, U.S. Passport, Foreign Consulate ID, etc.)
- Business Tax Registration Certificate
- California State Seller's Permit
- L.A. County Public Health Permit (required if vending food)
- Permit Fee (check, cash, or money order)
If you enroll on or before June 30, 2020, the fee is $291. Effective July 1, 2020, the permit fee will be $541.
C. Reference Materials
1. Sidewalk Vending Rules and Regulations
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - English
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Español
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Arabic
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Armenian
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Farsi
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Japanese
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Khmer
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Korean
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Russian
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Tagalog
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Thai
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Traditonal Chinese
- Sidewalk Rules and Regulations - Vietnamese
2. Park Vending Rules and Regulations
The following is the Department of Recreation and Parks' Rules and Regulations for vending food and commercial items in LA city parks:
Park Vending Rules and Regulations
3. City of Los Angeles Ordinance
4. Prohibited Sidewalk Vending Zone Maps
Maps of Designated "Prohibited Vending Zones"
Some park locations are also off limits to vending.
Find these in the Park Vending Rules and Regulations.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)