Effective January 1, 2019, the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (Senate Bill 946) is a state law that allows counties and cities to adopt non-criminal laws to protect public health, safety and welfare with regard to how, when and where sidewalk vendors can operate. On November 7, 2022, the Simi Valley City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1345 which amended Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 5-12, and added Section 5-45 to explicitly address the type of sidewalk vending covered by the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act. The ordinance, which became effective on December 8, 2022, is intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare by applying objective standards to ensure that vendors on public property provide safe and sanitary conditions for consumers, are adequately insured and properly licensed with all agencies, and employ persons who do not pose a threat to customers and the general public.

No sidewalk vendor may vend or operate anywhere in the City without first obtaining a Sidewalk Vending Permit (Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 5-45.04)

Sidewalk Vending Permit Application

Sidewalk Vending Brochure

Zoning Reference Map

What types of permits and/or licenses do I need to operate a vending cart?

A Sidewalk Vending Permit is required to operate a vending cart.  A completed application, Business Tax Certificate, valid Permit from the Ventura County Resource Management Agency, Environmental Health Division (if selling food items), proof of liability insurance, State Seller’s Permit, and a permit fee are required. For vendors who live in the City, a Home Occupation Permit may also be required.  

Applicants may fill out, download, and print the Sidewalk Vending Permit application and checklist of required documentation, request a copy sent to them by calling (805) 583-6736, or visit Customer Services at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to obtain a copy in person.

Complete application packages must be submitted in person at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Customer Services division, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Each applicant must appear in person; an applicant photo will be taken to include on the permit.

When may I expect to receive the Sidewalk Vending Permit?

Permits are approved, conditionally approved, or denied by the Chief of Police within 10 (ten) days of submittal of a complete application.

What is a cart?

A cart is defined as any pushcart, pedal-driven cart, wagon, bicycle, tricycle, display, rack, showcase stand, table, display, or other non-motorized conveyance, other wheeled container or mechanism or from one's person, and includes a stationary cart or a roaming cart.

Are there different types of Sidewalk Vendors?

The following definitions apply to sidewalk vending:

A Roaming Sidewalk Vendor is a vendor who moves their cart from place to place and stops only to complete a transaction.

A Stationary Vendor is a vendor who vends from a cart at a fixed location.

What hours am I allowed to operate?*

A Sidewalk Vendor must only operate during the approved hours stated in his/her Sidewalk Vending Permit.

Where can I conduct my sidewalk vending operations?*

Sidewalk Vendors must be in compliance with the location of operation stated in his/her Sidewalk Vending Permit.  Additionally, a Sidewalk Vendor operating on any sidewalk must ensure that no obstruction is placed in the sidewalk or public right-of-way that would reduce the width of the sidewalk to less than thirty-six (36) inches.

Can I set up my stationary vending cart in a residential zone?*

Stationary vending carts are not allowed in residential zones; however, roaming vending carts are allowed.

Can I vend in City parks or a special events such as farmer’s markets, parades, outdoor concerts, street fairs, or art/craft shows?*

Sidewalk vendors cannot operate in a park if a concessionaire has an exclusive permit for selling food or merchandise from the operator of the park.  Additionally, sidewalk vending within 300 feet of a City permitted special event is prohibited. 

Can I place signs and merchandise on the ground or any location off of my cart?*

All signs must be attached to the cart and not extend above or beyond the cart, and no freestanding signs are allowed on the sidewalk.  All merchandise must be displayed on the cart and not extend above or beyond the cart.

Can I place umbrellas, shade cloths, balloons, pennants, flags or banners on my cart?*

No umbrellas, shade cloths, balloons, banners, feather flags, flags, and pennants are allowed to be attached to vending carts. Devices that produce noise are also prohibited.

Can I leave my vending cart unattended?*

No carts or accessory equipment of a sidewalk vendor may be left unattended or be chained or fastened to any utility pole, sign, tree, or other object in the public rights-of-way.  The City may remove any cart that has been abandoned.

Do I have to provide a trash container for my customers?*

All sidewalk vendors are required to provide a trash receptacle for their customers.

Can I set up canopies, tables, chairs, or other structures on the sidewalk?*

The setup of tables, chairs, or other structures on the sidewalk is prohibited (unless specified in the Sidewalk Vending Permit).

What can happen if I am in violation of the Sidewalk Vending ordinance or my Sidewalk Vending Permit?

For vending without a valid Sidewalk Vending Permit, administrative fines range from $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation, and $1,000 for the third and succeeding violations.

For all violations other than vending without a valid Sidewalk Vending Permit, administrative fines range from $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, and $500 for the third and succeeding violations.

Where may I find information regarding the County of Ventura's Environmental Health requirements for sidewalk vending?

https://vcrma.org/en/mobile-food-facilities

Who may I contact for additional information?

Customer Service at (805) 583-6736, or the Police Department Fiscal Services Unit at (805) 583-6979.

 *Additional requirements and restrictions apply per Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 5-45