Street Vendor Permit

September is Vendor Permit Renewal Month. If you are interested in vending on the streets of Salinas, you must first obtain a Street Vendor Permit. Start here for a list of permits and documents required before obtaining a Street Vendor Permit. Please note that this guide does not substitute for legal or professional advice, and additional permits may be required depending on the circumstances of your business.

Select the type of vendor to view the list of requirements.

Street Food Vendor (Mobile Food Vendor)

There is a limited amount of Street Food Vendors allowed in the City of Salinas. The city maintains a list for Street Food Vendor Permits. Please contact us, if you are interested in placing your name on this list.

Street Food Vendor Application form
Current Monterey County Environmental Health Permit
Approved Commissary Form from the Health Department
Food Safety/Handling Certification
Current Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax
Current City of Salinas Business License
Current Vehicle Registration
Proof of Commercial Insurance for the Catering Vehicle and Employee/Driver Coverage
Valid California Driver’s License
Employees must be present and shall provide a photo I.D.
Color photographs of the vehicle (all sides)

Ice Cream Vendor

Street Food Vendor Application form
Current Monterey County Environmental Health Permit
Current City of Salinas Business License
Current Vehicle Registration
Proof of Commercial Insurance for the Ice Cream Vehicle and Employee/Driver Coverage
Valid California Driver’s License
Current Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax, if you are selling carbonated drinks
Employees must be present and shall provide a photo I.D.
Color photographs of the vehicle (all sides)

Push Cart Vendor (Nontaxable)

Pushcart Street Vendor Application form
Current Monterey County Environmental Health Permit
Current City of Salinas Business License
Current Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax, if you are selling carbonated drinks
Operating employees must be present and shall provide a photo I.D.
Color photographs of the cart (all sides)

Push Cart Vendor (Taxable)

Pushcart Street Vendor Application form
Current City of Salinas Business License
Current Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax
Provide a photo I.D.
Color photographs of the cart (all sides)

Applications and Brochures

In accordance with the City Municipal Code, no person shall maintain, manage or operate any catering vehicle or non-motorized pushcart or conduct business as a vendor within the city unless that person first obtains a vendor permit from the city.

The City of Salinas, in an effort to promote the health, safety and welfare of its residents, and carry on its responsibility to promote its natural environment requires the use of environmentally friendly food packaging and waste disposal. The brochures provide guidance for acceptable to-go packaging, recycling and best management practices.

Food Truck (Private Property)

Street Food Vendor Application form
Approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
Current Monterey County Environmental Health Permit
Current Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax
Current City of Salinas Business License
Current Vehicle Registration
Proof of Commercial Insurance for the Catering Vehicle and Employee/Driver Coverage
Valid California Driver’s License
Employees must be present and shall provide a photo I.D.
Color photographs of the vehicle (all sides)
Fire Department Inspection Signoff

Street Vendor Permit News

Updated Vendor Ordinance in Effect

Development Engineering staff has begun processing food vendor permits to new vendors interested in operating a food truck. This will allow prospective vendors who have waited years for the Street Vendor Program to open up to expand their business. Soon patrons will have a greater variety of food truck options.

Find Out More