City staff are committed to supporting safe and compliant food vending practices while adhering to California state laws. Our mission is to protect public safety and health while providing resources for vendors and property owners to operate and manage activities legally.
To address the growing need for regulation and support of mobile food vending, the Rohnert Park Code Compliance team has formed an Unpermitted Food Vendor Task Force. This task force brings together key stakeholders, including the City’s Code Compliance and Public Safety teams and Sonoma County Environmental Health, to ensure compliance, safety, and community support.
Recent changes to state law have made it so that local jurisdictions cannot ban vending outright in public places. However, we can and do enforce reasonable regulations for health, safety and accessibility.
• Health: All mobile food vendors must obtain a health permit from Sonoma County Environmental Health prior to selling food.
• Accessibility: Vendors must maintain a 4-foot clear pathway on sidewalks to accommodate persons with disabilities.
• Waste Management: Vendors must dispose of all waste properly, and maintain cleanliness of their area.
• Local Regulations: Vendors operating on private property must obtain an administrative use permit prior to operation.
RESOURCES FOR VENDORS AND PROPERTY OWNERS
The following organizations provide information and support to those wishing to operate a mobile food business.
• Sonoma County Environmental Health: Issues permits and provide guidance on compliance on food safety.
• COOK Alliance: Provides advocacy and resources for home-based and informal food vendors.
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County: Dedicated to advancing economic development and advocating for the Hispanic business community, the Chamber provides resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs for minority-owned food businesses.
• NorCal Food Truck Association: Supports the growth and sustainability of the mobile food industry in Northern California.
• Rohnert Park Certified Farmers Market: Fridays 5-8 pm every week, June to August (closed July 4), located at 500 City Center Dr, Rohnert Park. Phone: (415) 999-5635.
REPORT CONCERNS
If you observe unpermitted vending, unsafe practices, or suspicious activity, please follow the reporting guidelines below:
Regular Business Hours (Monday–Friday 8am-5pm):
• Phone: (707) 588-2249
• Email: [email protected]
• Service Requests: Submit via the Reach Rohnert Park portal.
After-Hours Concerns:
• If you witness a crime or suspicious activity, visit the Make a Police Report page.
• For emergencies, dial 911 immediately.