City of Santa Clara
MenuSolicitor / Peddler Sidewalk Vending Pilot Program
Who is Considered a Sidewalk Vendor?
Pursuant to Senate Bill 946, a “sidewalk vendor” is defined as a person who sells food or merchandise on a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path with a non-motorized conveyance (e.g., pushcart, stand, display, pedal driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, etc.). A sidewalk vendor can be either roaming or stationary.
The City has temporarily amended Chapter 5.05 and Section 9.05.165 of the City Code to create a Pilot Program to be conducted from September 2023 through January 2024 on the sidewalks around Levi's Stadium. The Pilot Program provides more comprehensive regulation of vending in the designated footprint with provisions to comply with Senate Bill 946.
Below is a summary of City Council actions leading up to the implementation of the Pilot Program:
Report to Council 23-211 and Video, April 18, 2023
Report to Council 23-726 and Video, July 18, 2023
Report to Council 23-1005 and Video, August 22, 2023
Chapter 5.05 and Section 9.05.165 of the City Code (to be added following 8/22/23)
Staff intends to provide a Report to the City Council at the conclusion of the Pilot Program (estimated Spring 2024). At that time, staff may offer further Ordinance amendments to modify or extend the program with respect to Stadium events, and/or to expand the program into other areas of the City, including but not limited to, City parks.
Due to health, safety and welfare concerns, sidewalk vending will not be allowed on Levi's Stadium event days in the following locations:
- Tasman Drive (from Great America Parkway to Calle de Sol)
- Tasman Drive eastbound off-ramp to Star and Stripes Drive (often referred to as a slip-ramp)
- Tasman Drive stairways to Stars and Stripes Drive
- Great America Parkway (from Bunker Hill Drive to Patrick Henry Drive)
- Stars and Stripes Drive (from the Tasman Drive eastbound off-ramp to Bill Walsh Way).
- San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail (from Great America Parkway to Agnew Road)
- Old Glory Lane east of Great America Parkway
A map of the areas where vending is not allowed is available online.
Sidewalk Vending Permit Application Process
- Submit the following to the Police Department (601 El Camino Real), as applicable:
- Solicitor / Peddler Application
- Santa Clara County Health Permit (obtained online through the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health)
- California State Sellers Permit (obtained online through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration)
- Fictitious Business Name Statement (obtained online through the County of Santa Clara Office of the County Clerk-Recorder)
- Proof of Insurance ($1M General Liability)
- Copy of Government issued Identification Card
- Copy of Commissary Contract (contact between landlord and vendor for cart/food storage)
- City of Santa Clara Business License (details online or by calling 408-615-2310)
- A list of all employees (if applicable)
- Schedule a LiveScan fingerprinting appointment with the Police Department Permits Unit at 408-615-4867
Solicitor / Peddler Fees
The approved Fiscal Year 2023/24 fees are as follows, however the Stadium Authority has allocated up to $30,000 in Stadium Authority funds to support this initiative. In turn, the City will waive certain solicitor/peddler fees and taxes on a first come, first serve basis until the $30,000 has been expended.
Vendors would still be responsible for any third-party fees or costs (e.g., LiveScan, insurance, Health Department permit, etc.) that are required to obtain a City of Santa Clara Solicitor/Peddler permit; it is not the intent of this proposal to waive or subsidize any third-party fees or costs.
Vendors wishing to operate on City-wide sidewalk locations outside the pilot program footprint will still be required to pay all permitting fees and charges.
| Initial Process | Sole Proprietor | Company with Employee(s) |
| Permit Application | $349 | $349 for the company, plus $149 per employee |
| LiveScan Fingerprinting | $66 | $66 for the owner |
| Business License Tax | $45 |
$45 for the owner, plus $45 per employee for businesses with a fixed place of business in the City of Santa Clara
1 - 5 days, no fee |
| Renewal Process | Sole Proprietor | Company with Employee(s) |
| Application Renewal | $149 | $149 for the company, plus $149 per employee |
| Business License Tax | $45 | $45 for the owner, plus $45 per employee for businesses with a fixed place of business in the City of Santa Clara For businesses outside the City of Santa Clara who conduct business in Santa Clara the fee is based on number of operating days as follows: 1 - 5 days, no fee 6-64 days, $11.25 per employee 65-129 days, $22.50 per employee 130+ days, $45 per employee |
Questions
For food truck, ice cream truck, door-to-door soliciting or sidewalk vendor inquiries, call the Santa Clara Police Department Permits Unit at 408-615-4867.