San Bernardino Farmers Market Permits & Rules

Events and Special Uses California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

San Bernardino, California requires permits and coordination with city departments and county health for farmers markets and other outdoor food or vendor markets. This guide summarizes how to apply for a special-event or temporary outdoor market permit, what inspections and health approvals are commonly needed, and what to expect from enforcement and appeal pathways. Use the local department contacts and forms listed in the Help and Support / Resources section to confirm current fees, deadlines, and application documents.

Apply early: permit review often takes several weeks.

Overview of Permits and Responsible Agencies

Organizers typically need a city special-event or temporary use permit plus any required county public-health permits for food vendors. The principal enforcing authorities are the City of San Bernardino (planning, special events, or licensing divisions) and San Bernardino County Environmental Health for food-safety permits. Permits may cover site plan review, street use, vendor placement, signage, noise limits, and waste management.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is shared between city code officers and county environmental health inspectors. The city may issue citations, stop-work or stop-event orders, and require corrective measures; county health can suspend food-vendor operations that pose a health risk. Specific monetary fines and structured escalation for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the city and county overview pages listed below; contact the departments in Resources for exact amounts and schedules.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages; check official fee schedules.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offences - not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-event orders, corrective compliance notices, administrative suspension of vendors, seizure of unsafe food, and referral to court or administrative hearing.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City code enforcement or planning staff handle permit compliance; county environmental health handles food and safety complaints.
  • Appeals/review: administrative appeal routes exist through city procedures; specific time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
Non-monetary orders (stop-event, seizure) are common first-line remedies for public-health risks.

Applications & Forms

Most events require a Special Event or Temporary Use Permit from the city and a Temporary Food Facility or food-vendor permit from San Bernardino County Environmental Health. The exact application name, form number, fee schedule, submission address, and any deadlines are not specified on the city and county overview pages listed below; organizers should obtain the current application packet from the offices in Resources and follow the submission instructions there.

Organizers should compile vendor lists, site plans, and insurance before applying.

Common Violations

  • Operating without a required special-event or temporary use permit.
  • Food vendors without county temporary food permits or without required handwashing/sanitization.
  • Blocking fire access, sidewalks, or violating street closure rules.
  • Failure to pay assessed administrative fines or fees after violations.

Action Steps for Organizers

  • Start early: contact city planning/special events at least 30 days before the proposed date.
  • Obtain city special-event or temporary use permit and vendor list; secure county temporary food permits for vendors selling prepared foods.
  • Schedule any required inspections with city and county inspectors before opening day.
  • Confirm fee amounts and payment methods with the departments listed in Resources.

FAQ

Do farmers markets need a city permit in San Bernardino?
Yes. Markets operating on city property or using streets typically need a city special-event or temporary use permit; check the city’s event permitting guidance.
Do food vendors need separate permits?
Yes. Vendors preparing or selling food usually need a county temporary food facility permit and must pass county health inspections.
What happens if I run without a permit?
Enforcement may include stop-event orders, administrative citations, fines, and vendor suspension; exact fines are set by the authorities and should be confirmed with the departments listed in Resources.

How-To

  1. Contact the City of San Bernardino planning or special-events office to confirm whether your market needs a special-event or temporary use permit and request the application packet.
  2. Compile required materials: site plan showing vendor spaces, vendor list, proof of insurance, traffic/parking plan, and waste management plan.
  3. Contact San Bernardino County Environmental Health for temporary food vendor permit requirements and fee payment instructions.
  4. Submit city and county applications per instructions and schedule any required inspections before the event date.
  5. If you receive a citation or stop-order, follow the corrective instructions immediately and contact the city or county for appeal information.

Key Takeaways

  • Both city permits and county food permits are usually required for farmers markets.
  • Apply well in advance to allow time for review and inspections.
  • Contact city planning and county environmental health early to confirm forms and fees.

Help and Support / Resources

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