As conversations grow in Bakersfield about street vendors following the Casa Loma Swap meet vendors’ having to move from their space, Kern Sol News has put together a list of steps people can take to get their permits if they choose.
City of Bakersfield Permits
Business licenses, also known as a Business Tax Certificate, are required for any type of business planning to operate in the city. Prior to getting the license, the individual will need to get a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) certificate if they are not using their first, last, and last name as the business name from the County Clerk.
The application can be found here, and the cost is $43 plus $6 for each additional name. Next, a seller’s permit is required from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Lastly, you can apply for the Business Tax Certificate from the City Hall Treasury Department, and the minimum license fee is $39. According to the City of Bakersfield website, all Business Tax Certificates expire June 30th of each year and must be renewed by July 31.
Kern County Permits
Kern County business licenses are given through the Kern Coutny Sheriffs Office. The pre-steps are still through the county clerk and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. In the application, they list the fee amount for different business licenese including:
- Street vendors- the initial fee is $130, and the renewal is $65
- Swap meets – initial fee is $281, and the renewal is $216
- Temporary business – initial fee is $130, and the renewal is $115
There is also an additional $15 fee for any additional cart, basket, or vehicle used for the sales. Nicole Lopez with the licensing department stated the first step someone should take is contacting the office at 661-391-7690 to see what type of license is needed for your business. She stated that the only individuals who receive a fee waiver are veterans with proof of their status.
Public Health Regulations
Any food vendors or businesses need to get a permit from the public health department as well. Plans will need to be submitted to the Environmental Health Division. They can be contacted at 661-862-8700 or 1-800-522-5376; by fax 661-862-8701; or by e-mail: eh@co.kern.ca.us.
The mobile food application stated that food preparation vendors shall be within 200 feet of a bathroom and hand-washing facilities. Several documents are required, depending on the type of cart or vehicle planned, including a food safety certification for some of them. The application can be found here.
Code Enforcement and Zoning Regulations
For anyone looking to start a business or become a street vendor, knowing where vendors are permitted can be helpful. According to the Bakersfield municipal code regarding food vending, if a vendor wants to park on private property, they must have written approval from the property owner and keep a copy within the vending vehicle.
When checking compliance with zoning regulations, a GIS map shows the area’s zoning. Jose Gonzalez, Code Enforcement Manager, explained that the map will display a title such as Central Business District when a vendor enters a potential operating address. He stated that from there, someone can check the Bakersfield Municipal Code to see what the regulations for food vending are in that area.
He added that the Municipal Code and zoning regulations can be difficult to navigate and recommended that vendors and new business owners visit the Development Services Department.