Is it easy to apply for a permit to be a sidewalk vendor in Modesto? Here’s the process
The Department of Environmental Resources has noticed a “significant uptick” in unpermitted sidewalk food vendors in Stanislaus County — including Modesto.
Rob Kostlivy, the director of the county department, said in a previous statement that there is a need for more accessible pathways for vendors to operate legally.
So, what is the process to apply for a sidewalk vendor permit in Modesto?
The purpose of the sidewalk vendor permit is to help promote entrepreneurship while ensuring the protection of public health, safety and welfare, according to the city of Modesto’s code enforcement website.
“The requirements of getting your permit are put in place to make sure the traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the public right-of-way are not affected, vending does not negatively impact the public safety and to make sure that food vendors are following county public health requirements,” the website says.
Here’s how to apply for the permit, according to the City of Modesto:
Download and complete the Sidewalk Vendor Permit Application and Supplemental Questionnaire.
Pay a $150 filing fee for both forms at Modesto Code Enforcement, 600 10th St. Appointments can be made by phone at 209-577-5250.
Apply for a California Seller’s Permit and provide a copy of the seller’s permit number, along with a drawing of the stationary vending location, to Modesto Code Enforcement.
Provide a copy of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or California ID, to Modesto Code Enforcement.
Provide a copy of insurance coverage to Modesto Code Enforcement for review and approval by the Risk Management Department.
After these steps, food vendors must provide a copy of a separate set of required approvals and permits issued by the Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources to Modesto Code Enforcement.
A copy of the Modesto Fire Department’s inspection clearance must also be submitted if you are using a heating element. Additional fees may apply to file these items.
Before obtaining the final sidewalk vendor permit approval, vendors must obtain a Modesto business license from the city’s finance department and pay a business license tax in addition to a $100 refundable deposit.
The documents in each step must be provided at the time of application.
Code enforcement staff will review and process the application “with the goal of” issuing new permits within two weeks of receiving it, according to the website.
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