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Westminster council receives update after 49 sweeps, 98 citations in sidewalk-vendor enforcement effort
Summary
City staff told the council they have conducted 49 sweeps, issued 98 citations and confiscated 92 items while continuing outreach with the Orange County Health Department. Council unanimously voted to receive and file the update.
The Westminster City Council on March 12 received and filed an update on enforcement of sidewalk-vendor rules after staff reported 49 sweeps, 98 administrative citations and 92 confiscated items since enforcement intensified in late 2023.
City staff described the enforcement effort and legal limits they face under California law. "State laws have severely limited the authority of cities to regulate sidewalk vendors," Sherry Vander Dussen, interim director of community development, told the council, and noted that Westminster’s regulations are codified in chapter 8.8 of the Westminster Municipal Code.
The city’s interim code enforcement manager, Sergio Farino, described the partnership with the Orange County Health Department and other city departments. "City staff have been joined by Orange County Health Department and staff who've been able to issue impound orders for the unpermitted sidewalk vendors' equipment and perishables," Farino said. He said equipment and perishables are transported to the city yard and perishables disposed, and the health department may order items returned or destroyed after hearings.
Ryan Sauls, senior management analyst, provided the enforcement tally and said staff were still seeing repeat appearances. "We've conducted 49 sweeps. We've issued 98 citations during those sweeps, and we've confiscated 92 items from vendors," Sauls said, listing canopies, grills, generators and food among the items seized. He said some vendors who later obtain permits remain compliant but others continue to operate without county health permits or city permits.
Council members pressed staff on operational details, including how frequently sweeps occur, what fines are imposed and whether photographs or vehicle identifiers can be used to link citations to individuals. Farino said the task-force approach combines code enforcement, public works, police and the health department and that scheduled and unscheduled sweeps are planned going forward. Sauls noted the ordinance provides escalating fines and that nonpermitted vendors face higher starting penalties; he said some vendors seek hearings that can reduce fines.
Vice Mayor Monzo urged more frequent and staggered sweeps and asked staff to present options to increase enforcement effectiveness. Councilwoman Fan West and others asked staff to preserve outreach materials and make permit applications available on-site during outreach so vendors who want to comply can start the process immediately.
The council voted 4-0 to receive and file the report. Mayor Wynne moved to receive and file the update; District 1 Councilwoman Fan West seconded the motion. The motion was approved on a roll-call vote with all four present members voting yes.
Staff said they will continue coordinated sweeps with the Orange County Health Department and bring back further updates and any recommended operational changes to the task-force schedule and outreach strategy.
