Sidewalk Vending

Published on May 10, 2023

Why does Culver City have a Sidewalk Vending Ordinance?

In 2018, California state law was changed to decriminalize sidewalk vending.  Cities must now allow sidewalk vending in many parts of their jurisdiction.  However, cities may still regulate sidewalk vending based on objective health, safety, and welfare concerns.  At the January 22, 2024, City Council Meeting, the City Council adopted the Sidewalk Vending New Application Permit Fee, Renewal Permit Fee, Pursuant to Culver City Municipal Code Chapter 11.18(PDF, 61KB), the City Council also adopted a Resolution setting the permit fees for Sidewalk Vending(PDF, 1MB).

What is a Sidewalk Vendor?

A Sidewalk Vendor is an individual who sells food items and other merchandise on sidewalks and pathways from carts and other non-motorized transportation modes. Some sidewalk vendors are stationary, meaning they stay in one place, while others are mobile, meaning they move around the City.

Are there rules about Sidewalk Vending in Culver City?

In Culver City there are various sidewalk vendors selling a range of items throughout the community.  Some of the commonly seen products include individually wrapped ice cream products, cut up fruit, juice, and flowers.     

All sidewalk vendors are required to obtain:

• City of Culver City Business License permit
• State of California Department of Tax Fee Administration Sellers Permit
• County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Permit (for Food vendors)
• Stationary sidewalk vendors are limited to sidewalks or pathways that are a minimum of eight feet wide and are outside residential areas.
• All sidewalk vendors must allow four feet of clearance on the sidewalk for pedestrians to walk past.
• Sidewalk vendors are not permitted on bike paths, certain trails, or on public property that does not meet the definition of a sidewalk.
• Sidewalk vendors are not permitted at Carlson Park because the pathways are too narrow or at Coombs Park because there are no pathways.
• Sidewalk vendors are not permitted in residential neighborhoods or near schools after 8:00 PM or before 9:00 AM.
• Sidewalk vendors must comply with listed distance requirements.

View the new laws about Sidewalk Vending in the Culver City Municipal Code(PDF, 61KB)

How do I get a Sidewalk Vending Permit?

Please visit the City's online Business Permit Center or Call (310) 253-5870 or 

Come in person and visit our City Finance Department at City Hall, 9770 Culver Boulevard, 1st Floor, Culver City CA 90232.