Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles launched a program investing $2.8 million to provide more than 280 free, health-code-compliant food vending carts to eligible sidewalk vendors.
The Sidewalk Vending Cart Program aims to help vendors meet new legal requirements, overcome financial barriers to formalization and operate safely and legally in their communities.
The initiative follows passage of Senate Bill 946, the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, and Senate Bill 972, which amended the California Retail Food Code to create a new permit category called Compact Mobile Food Operation. Los Angeles County adopted its own Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, which took effect in August 2024.
To address costs associated with the new requirements, the Board of Supervisors approved measures including waiving the $604 Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate fee for the first two years, reducing it to $100 in the third year, offering 75% fee subsidies for CMFO permits and launching grants to offset up to $5,000 in additional permitting costs.
The County has executed agreements with three local manufacturers to produce hot-holding, cold-holding, cut-fruit and integrated grill cart models. To receive a cart, applicants must be 18 or older, live in LA County, be self-employed as a sidewalk vendor, earn less than $75,000 annually from vending and commit to full compliance with public health and safety regulations.
Vendors will receive carts only after securing all necessary permits, including a CMFO certificate, SVRC and local vending permit. Partner organizations Inclusive Action for the City and ICON Community Development Corporation will provide permitting navigation, business support and language assistance.
"Through the launch of the Sidewalk Vending Cart Program, the County is making sure working families have greater access to opportunity, while ensuring a permitted pathway towards micro entrepreneurship and formal economy," said Los Angeles County Board Chair Hilda L. Solis.
The County currently has 50 hot-holding and 30 cold-holding carts manufactured for the first round of awards, with 40 integrated grill carts underway. Applications are now open and will be reviewed monthly, with selections prioritized by lottery based on compliance readiness and location in high-need areas.
More information can be found at https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts.
Edited by SMDP Staff