FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno City Council has updated the city’s sidewalk vending rules to align with state law and a recent court ruling issued last month.
The changes come after the Fourth Appellate District Court of Appeal issued a decision on Jan. 22, 2026, clarifying how cities can regulate sidewalk vendors.
City officials say enforcement will continue under the Fresno Code Enforcement Team, which oversees permits, licensing, operational standards, and public safety.
“All vendors operating on Fresno sidewalks must have a valid City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate, plus any permits required by the Fresno County Department of Public Health,” a city spokesperson said. “Health and safety regulations must be followed at all times.”
Penalties for unpermitted vendors now follow a clear structure.
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For vendors preparing food on heated surfaces requiring fuel, fines are:
First violation: Written warningSecond violation: Up to $100Third violation: Up to $200Fourth violation: Up to $500For vendors without a permit at all, fines are:First violation: Written warningSecond violation: Up to $25Third violation: Up to $50Fourth violation: Up to $100
The city says the goal is to protect public safety while keeping opportunities open for small business owners who rely on sidewalk vending.
Similar measures are already in place in other California cities, where officials say clear rules and consistent enforcement have helped vendors operate safely and fairly.
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City leaders encourage anyone interested in vending to make sure their paperwork is up to date to avoid fines.