If you want to sell at vendor markets, farmers’ markets, festivals, or other events in Yuba City, there are a few licenses and permits you may need before you can set up your booth.
The requirements are fairly simple for crafters and retail vendors. Food and beverage vendors have an additional step because they must meet Sutter County Environmental Health requirements.
This guide walks through the basic process for becoming a vendor in Yuba City and Sutter County.
Step 1: Get a California Seller’s Permit
The first step for most vendors selling physical products is to get a California seller’s permit through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, commonly known as the CDTFA.
A seller’s permit allows you to sell taxable products in California and collect sales tax when required.
This generally applies to vendors selling:
- Handmade goods
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Art
- Home decor
- Packaged products
- Other physical merchandise
You can apply for a seller’s permit online through the CDTFA.
Here’s the link: https://calosba.ca.gov/for-small-businesses-and-non-profits/permits-licenses-regulation/
Step 2: Apply for a Yuba City Business License
If you plan to sell at an event located within Yuba City, the next step is to apply for a City of Yuba City business license.
You can apply online or through Yuba City Hall.
The city may ask for information such as your:
- Business information
- California seller’s permit
- Tax ID or Social Security number
- Driver’s license
- Fictitious business name, when applicable
Requirements may vary depending on the type of business you operate.
If your event is located somewhere else in Sutter County, check with the city or county where the event is being held to see what local business license requirements apply.
What About Crafters and Retail Vendors?
For many crafters and retail vendors selling merchandise at a Yuba City market, the two main steps are getting a California seller’s permit and a Yuba City business license.
Once those are taken care of, you can begin applying to vendor markets.
Keep in mind that individual markets can have their own requirements. An organizer may ask for copies of your permits, insurance, photos of your products, or other information before approving your application.
Additional Requirements for Food and Beverage Vendors
If you sell food or beverages, there is an additional step.
Food and beverage vendors must work with Sutter County Environmental Health before selling to the public.
The exact requirements depend on what you sell and how your food or drinks are prepared.
For example, a vendor selling prepackaged food may have different requirements than a vendor cooking meals inside a booth or food truck.
Step 1: Get Your California Seller’s Permit
Start by registering for a California seller’s permit if your business is required to have one.
Step 2: Get Your Yuba City Business License
If you will be selling within Yuba City, apply for a business license with the City of Yuba City.
Step 3: Contact Sutter County Environmental Health
Before participating in a market, contact Sutter County Environmental Health and explain what you plan to sell.
They will determine which permits and requirements apply to your business based on your food, preparation process, equipment, and booth setup.
Current Sutter County temporary food permit fees include:
- $76 for limited food preparation
- $113 for significant food preparation
Fees and permit requirements can change, so vendors should confirm their requirements directly with Sutter County Environmental Health before applying.
Temporary food facility applications generally need to be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
Food Vendors at the Downtown Yuba City Night Market
Food and beverage vendors participating in the Downtown Yuba City Night Market must receive the required approval from Sutter County Environmental Health before participating in the market.
Because the market operates as a California Certified Farmers’ Market, food and beverage vendors must meet applicable county health requirements before they can begin selling.
The exact permit you need will depend on what you sell and how you prepare it, so it is a good idea to contact Environmental Health early rather than waiting until the week of the market.
Get Ready to Apply to Markets
Once your required licenses and permits are approved, you can start applying to markets throughout Yuba City and Sutter County.
Before applying, have copies of your seller’s permit, business license, health permit if applicable, product photos, booth photos, and business information ready.
Having everything prepared ahead of time makes it much easier to apply to markets and get approved to start selling.