Sidewalk Vending Permit

Updated: Mar. 28, 2024

Sidewalk Vendors must possess a Business License and a Sidewalk Vending Permit issued by the City of Hayward to engage in sidewalk vending activities. As part of the application process, applicants must also provide proof of general liability insurance, and if applicable a California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Seller’s Permit and/or a Mobile Food Facility Permit issued by Alameda County Department of Environmental Health, if applicable. 

All Sidewalk Vending Permit applications shall be submitted directly though the Hayward e-Permit Portal. All application is reviewed for compliance with the City of Hayward Sidewalk Vending Ordinance Municipal Code, Chapter 6, Article 16.  Check out our Handouts for more information.

Learn more about the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance Update Here

Sidewalk Vending Workshops:

Beginning January 31, 2024, the City will be holding monthly Sidewalk Vending Permit workshops. Starting with the workshop on February 29, 2024, all future workshops will be held the last Thursday of each month, featuring two sessions.

• Session 1: Sidewalk Vending Permit Introduction (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.): Learn about the regulations and the process for obtaining a Sidewalk Vending Permit.

• Session 2: Applying for a Sidewalk Vending Permit (1:30 - 2:30 p.m.): Receive assistance in completing the application for the Sidewalk Vending Permit. Computers will be available for use during this session.

Attend an upcoming workshop:

See upcoming workshop dates

Submitting an Application:

1. Register for an e-Permit Portal account: You must be a registered user of the Hayward e-Permit Portal before you can submit your application. Learn more about how to register on our e-Permit Portal help page.
2. Apply for a Sidewalk Vending Permit: Using the e-Permit Portal, apply for your permit by completing the online application and attaching the required submittal materials. Learn more about how to apply for a Plan on our e-Permit Portal help page.

Required Submittal Materials:

The submittal items below are required for the Sidewalk Vending Permit application. 

• City of Hayward Business License
• California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Seller's Permit: the permit shall designate "City of Hayward" as a location or sublocation.
• Mobile Food Facility Permit:  Issued by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health (ACDEH).
• Proof of General Liability Insurance: All sidewalk vendors shall obtain and upload proof of General Liability Insurance (see example in Handouts). 
• Stationary Sidewalk Vendor Site Plan Form: Each location requires a separate Site Plan.

Application Review:

Applicants will be notified by email or can login to the e-Permit Portal for updates on their application. 

Paying Fees:

The fee for the Sidewalk Vending Permit is $0. However, Sidewalk Vendors shall be responsible for City of Hayward Business License fee and applicable Mobile Food Facility Permit and Seller’s Permit fees.

Additional Resources:

Plan - Requires Planning Director Approval: Submit online via e-Permits Portal

E-Permits Portal