Mobile Vending Information

State law (SB 946) allows mobile vending of food and merchandise on public sidewalks and in parks, subject to certain restrictions. Mobile vendors may conduct limited food preparation and make sales from a pushcart, stand, wagon, or other non-motorized conveyance*, or from their person, and they may be roaming or stationary. Mobile food vendors operating under SB 946 are classified by the County of Sonoma Environmental Health Department as "Compact Mobile Food Operations," which are a type of "Mobile Food Facility."

*SB 946 does not apply to food trucks, which are currently limited in Cotati.

License Requirements

  • All mobile vendors must have and display a Cotati City Business license and a seller's permit with the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA).
  • Vendors  selling prepared food (examples include hot dogs, tamales, shaved ice, fruit cups, pre-cooked corn, popcorn, roasted nuts, and churros) must have and display a current permit as a Compact Mobile Food Operator from County of Sonoma Environmental Health Department.
  • Vendors with less than 25 square feet of display space AND selling only prepackaged food (examples include chips and bottled water) or whole uncooked produce are not required to have health permits.

Operational Requirements

  • Vendors may not block the sidewalk and must maintain 4-feet clear passing space at all times.
  • Stationary sidewalk vendors are prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for residential use (the Rural Residential (RR) and Residential Very Low Density (RVL) zones).
  • Vendors do not require permission from adjacent property owners or any other private entity to operate on public sidewalks and in public parks.
  • Vendors stopped at one location for over an hour must have access to a permanently installed restroom within 200 feet.
  • Sidewalk vending of alcoholic beverages, cannabis products, tobacco products, or other legally controlled substances is prohibited.
  • Sidewalk vendors shall maintain a clean and trash-free 10-foot radius around their stand.
  • When departing a location used for vending, the sidewalk vendor shall remove all trash and debris from the location. Proper disposal of all food preparation waste is required.
  • Vendors may not discharge any grease, wash water, or any other liquids into the storm drain or any other location.
  • Sidewalk vendors shall immediately clean up any food, grease, or other fluid or item related to their vending activities that falls onto the sidewalk or other public property.
  • Vendors must comply with the City of Cotati Noise Ordinance.
  • Vendors may not operate in the following manner or locations:
    • In any area that serves to provide ADA access.
    • In any area blocking access to a business, residence, public facility or street furniture, bike racks, etc.
    • Within 100 feet of the Cotati Farmer’s market (when operating) or other City approved events.
    • In any City park outside of the posted open hours of the park, or if the park has no posted hours, between the hours of 8:00 PM and 9:00 AM.

Additional Information

Questions?



Contact:

Noah Housh
Community Development Director
nhoush@cotaticity.gov
707-665-3635