LA County has opened an expanded sidewalk vending cart program that gives eligible street food vendors a free cart, with 30 new raw-to-cooked carts added on Oct. 13. The program now offers 341 carts to permitted vendors in the County and the City of Los Angeles, and applications stay open while supplies last. Here is how the sidewalk vending cart program works, who qualifies and what it costs.
What the sidewalk vending cart program offers
The county’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) runs the program. Vendors can get a code-compliant cart at no cost, but they must finish the program requirements and hold the right permits before they take ownership. Cart types include cold-hold (prepackaged ice cream), cut fruit, hot-holding, integrated grill and the new raw-to-cooked model, which lets a vendor cook raw ingredients on site. Not every type is available at all times.
Menus and food operations need approval from the county Department of Public Health. Vendors also need a CMFO health permit, and DEO covers 75% of that permit’s cost.
Grants and who qualifies
Some vendors in unincorporated areas may also get a $5,000 grant for operating costs and permit fees. Merchandise vendors who sell no food or drinks can apply separately for up to $500. Grant funding is limited.
To apply, a vendor must be at least 18, live in LA County and own one permitted cart or fewer. Vendors also need a California Seller’s Permit, a government photo ID and proof they can store and move a cart. Unincorporated-area applicants must have operated for at least 12 months and have household income of $75,000 or less. City vendors must show a COVID-19 financial impact, because that part of the funding comes from federal pandemic relief. Meeting the rules does not guarantee an award.
How and when to apply
Vendors apply online at the DEO sidewalk vending cart page. DEO scores applications received by the end of each month for that month’s carts, settles ties by lottery and rolls over the rest. Conditional approval takes about two to four weeks. After that, vendors attend workshops, get permits and pass inspections, and the full process can take up to eight weeks.
For help, call the DEO Office of Small Business at (844) 432-4900. City vendors can also contact Inclusive Action at (323) 604-9765. For more on starting a business, see our money and business hub, and read how the city cannabis license renewal deadline works for another local permit.
This article is general information, not legal advice.