Senate Bill (SB) 946 – “Safe Sidewalk Vending Act”

Senate Bill 946 was signed by the California Governor in September 2018 and became effective on January 1, 2019. SB 946 prohibits cities and local jurisdictions from completely banning sidewalk vending. Its intent is to expand economic opportunities for low‑income and immigrant communities by requiring municipalities to establish a local permitting system for sidewalk vendors.

Sidewalk Vendor Requirements

To operate lawfully within the City of Westminster, sidewalk vendors must obtain all required permits. Depending on the type of operation, the following permits may be necessary:

• Westminster Business License
• Westminster Food Truck or Sidewalk Vendor Permit (If applicable)
• Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) Health Permit
• California Seller’s Permit

Vendors must properly display their Westminster Business License, Westminster Vendor Permit, and, if applicable, their OCHCA Health Permit always. Failure to do so may indicate they are operating unlawfully.

Reporting Unpermitted Vendors

If you believe a sidewalk vendor is operating without the required permits, you may submit a report to the Code Enforcement division.

Additional Resources

• Westminster Municipal Code standards and requirements for sidewalk vending
• Westminster Municipal Code standards and requirements for food truck vending
• Orange County Health Care Agency information on vendor health permits
• View our flyer on tips for mobile food truck vendors