Street Vendor Permit
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.
This flowchart outlines the path to obtaining a permit for the various types of vendors.
Vendors are advised that in an effort to align with the Vision Zero Action Plan. Vending by food trucks is not allowed on High Collision Corridors and vending setbacks of 200-feet are required at High Collision Intersections.
Street Food Vendor (Mobile Food Vendor)
For a street food vendor permits, there are designated and mobile options. The City of Salinas limits the amount of designated permits.
- Street Food Vendor Application form
- 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 sign off
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 or taxable products
- 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)
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
Informational Bulletins 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.
- Vendor FAQ - Pushcart Vendor
- Food Truck FAQ - Designated Location
- Food Truck FAQ - Private Property
- Food Truck FAQ - Produce Vendor
- Food Truck FAQ - Roaming
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.
Street Vendor Permit News
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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
