In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed an urgency ordinance aimed at updating regulations for sidewalk vendors, street vendors, and itinerant hawkers. The proposed changes are in response to California Senate Bill 946, which decriminalized sidewalk vending and limited municipal regulations. The ordinance seeks to enhance public health, safety, and welfare by establishing clear categories for vendors and defining their operational requirements.

Assistant Planner Sarah Dergali presented the ordinance, which introduces new chapters to the city’s business regulations. It categorizes vendors into three groups: sidewalk vendors, street vendors (including food trucks), and itinerant hawkers, peddlers, solicitors, and merchants. The ordinance mandates annual permits for all vendors and outlines specific regulations regarding the time, place, and manner of their operations.

Key provisions include a requirement for vendors to maintain a 15-foot separation from one another and to comply with accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ordinance also prohibits the sale of certain items, including alcohol and illicit drugs, to ensure public safety.

City officials emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that they had reached out to licensed vendors to gather input on the proposed regulations. The ordinance is expected to take effect immediately upon adoption, with a grace period for existing vendors to transition to the new standards.

Concerns were raised about the enforcement of these regulations, particularly regarding the identification of vendors and the collection of sales taxes. City staff clarified that vendors must provide government-issued identification and proof of necessary permits from state and local agencies as part of the application process.

The council plans to revisit the ordinance in the fall to establish permanent regulations based on feedback and observations from the initial implementation. The urgency of the ordinance reflects the city's commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly environment for both vendors and the public.