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Mobile and Pop-Up Vendors

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The City of Vacaville has received a number of complaints regarding unpermitted, pop-up, and mobile vendors operating in the community. Over the past several months, staff have contacted many of these vendors. Of those we have engaged with, none have been identified as Vacaville-based start-ups.

Why Enforcement Is Challenging

Recent changes in California law limit how local jurisdictions may regulate vendors who hold the required licenses or permits. These state laws restrict the City’s ability to require vendors to vacate public property if they are licensed.

To address community concerns, the City is working with other Solano County cities to draft a new ordinance. This ordinance will provide local staff with stronger enforcement mechanisms and clear rules for how vendors may operate within Vacaville.

Business License and Permit Requirements

How Residents and Visitors Can Help

The City encourages community members and visitors to verify that vendors are properly licensed and permitted before making a purchase. If a vendor does not display their City business license and/or Environment Health Permit or Sticker, patronizing them is not recommended.

View, download and share the Solano County Unpermitted Food Operations Brochure to see examples of health permits and stickers.

Report Concerns

Food safety or unpermitted food sales (uncleanliness, poor food handling, unsafe food):

Call Solano County Environmental Health at (707) 784-6765 during business hours.
Email Solano County Environmental Health.
Submit a Complaint to Solano County Environmental Health

Vendors without a posted business license:

Report to the City via the Contact Us "Send us a Message" platform.

Need Help Getting Compliant?

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

How do I know if a vendor is permitted?
All vendors must have:
- A City of Vacaville Business License, and
- If selling food or drinks, a Solano County Environmental Health Permit.
Vendors should have their license and permit visible. If they cannot produce them upon request, they may not be in compliance.
I'm a vendor, how can I get into compliance?
The City wants to help businesses succeed in Vacaville. If you are a vendor and need assistance with licensing or permitting, please reach out to us through our Contact Us page "Send us a Message" platform in both English and Spanish.
What should I do if I see a vendor without a City of Vacaville business license?
You can report the issue directly to the City using our Contact Us page "Send us a Message" platform in both English and Spanish.
Who do I contact if I think food is unsafe?
Concerns about food handling, sanitation, or food safety should be directed to Solano County Environmental Health at (707) 784-6765, by emailing Solano County Environmental Health, or completing the online complaint form.
Why can't the City just shut down unlicensed vendors?
California law limits the authority of local jurisdictions to immediately remove vendors from public spaces if they hold the necessary state or local permits. This is why the City is drafting a local ordinance, in partnership with other Solano County cities, to establish stronger enforcement tools.

City of Vacaville

Solano County Unpermitted Food Operations Brochure

Unpermitted Food Vendors Flyer

How do I know if a vendor is permitted?

I'm a vendor, how can I get into compliance?

What should I do if I see a vendor without a City of Vacaville business license?

Who do I contact if I think food is unsafe?

Why can't the City just shut down unlicensed vendors?