Sidewalk Vending Permit
Updated: May 27, 2024
Sidewalk Vendors must possess a Business License and a Sidewalk Vending Permit issued by the City of Hayward. As part of the Sidewalk Vending Permit application process, applicants must also provide proof of General Liability Insurance, 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.
Learn more about the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance Update Here
Submitting an Application:
Below are the steps and required materials for obtaining a Sidewalk Vending Permit, presented in the order we recommend. Please note that the applicable steps depend on the type of sidewalk vendor.
- Review City of hayward Sidewalk Vending Ordinance: Review Chapter 6, Article 16 of the City of Hayward Municipal Code – Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. A Spanish version of the Sidewalk Vending ordinance is available here.
- Obtain Mobile Food Facility Permit: If handling and selling food, apply for and obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit with Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.
- Obtain Seller's Permit: If selling merchandise, apply for and obtain a Seller's Permit with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The permit shall designate the "City of Hayward" as a location or sublocation.
- Draft a Site Plan: All stationary sidewalk vendors are required to complete a Site Plan detailing the proposed location(s) where they intend to operate on. Roaming sidewalk vendor do not need to complete a Site Plan. The Site Plan must demonstrate compliance with the operational and locational requirements summarized here.
- Stationary Sidewalk Vendor – Sidewalk vendor who vends from a fixed location.
- Roaming Sidewalk Vendor - A sidewalk vendor who moves from place to place and stops only to complete a transaction.
- Apply for a Sidewalk Vending Permit: Register for an Hayward e-Permits Portal account to submit your Sidewalk Vending Permit application online.
- Apply for a Business License and Obtain General Liability Insurance: Following a review of application materials submitted through the e-Permits online portal, applicants will be notified by email when to obtain and upload a City of Hayward Business License and General Liability Insurance prior to the issuance of the City of Hayward Sidewalk Vending Permit.
Application Review:
Applicants will be notified by email or can login to the e-Permit Portal for updates on their application.
Paying Fees:
There is currently no fee for Sidewalk Vending Permits. However, Sidewalk Vendors shall be responsible for City of Hayward Business License fee and applicable Mobile Food Facility Permit and Seller’s Permit fees.
Plan - Requires Planning Director Approval: Submit online via e-Permits Portal
