Vending Permits

The City's Customer Service division of the Finance Department issues Vending permits. Vending permits are required for all motorized, non-motorized and stationary vending. The City issues two types of vending permits: Sidewalk Vending Permit and Vending Permit.

Sidewalk Vending

Sidewalk vending / vendor is defined as a person who:

  • Sells
  • Offers to sell
  • Operates
  • Engages in
  • Carries on

a food or merchandise vending business from a:

  • Pushcart
  • Stand
  • Display
  • Pedal-Driven Cart
  • Wagon
  • Showcase
  • Rack
  • Other nonmotorized conveyance
  • From one's person

upon a public sidewalk or other public pedestrian path.

If you are interested in engaging in sidewalk vending and would like to obtain a permit, please complete the application in the link below and email Business License. It is also the responsibility of the potential vendor to be aware of the operating requirements as dictated by City Ordinance 1086.

Vending (Other Than Sidewalk Vending)

Vendors not involved in sidewalk vending as defined above that offer products of any kind for sale from a motor vehicle or pushcart on a street, alley, highway or public place within the City of San Juan Capistrano, including the movement or standing of a vehicle for the purpose of searching for, obtaining or soliciting retail sales of products must follow the requirements of Chapter 7 of Title 4 of the City Municipal Code.

Such vendors interested in operating within the City must first complete the application in the link below and email Business License. It is also the responsibility of the potential vendor to be aware of the rules and regulations as dictated by City Municipal Code Chapter 7 of Title 4 Regulation of Vendors.

Chapter 7 of Title 4 of the City Municipal Code only allows for a total of 15 vendors at a time; therefore, the City's Customer Service division maintains a waiting list for those that would like to engage in vending.

For additional information call 949-487-4300 during regular business hours.