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Napa County updates peddling code to align with state sidewalk-vending law and clarify enforcement
Summary
Staff presented proposed amendments to Chapter 5.4 (peddling and soliciting) so local code aligns with California’s SB 946 on sidewalk vending; the board voted intent to adopt the ordinance for unincorporated areas, shifting enforcement to PBES with administrative fines up to $500.
Napa County staff presented proposed amendments Oct. 7 to Chapter 5.4 of the county code to bring local peddling and soliciting rules into alignment with statewide sidewalk-vending law (Senate Bill 946).
Why it matters: SB 946 decriminalized sidewalk vending statewide and limited local restrictions; local governments must adopt regulations that are objective and related to health, safety or welfare. The county’s draft clarifies permitting, revocation criteria and moves enforcement from criminal penalties to an administrative process managed by Planning, Building and Environmental Services (PBES).
Staff presentation: Code compliance manager Akenia Robinson Webb and environmental manager Britney Urquhart described the county’s increase in complaints about sidewalk vendors and public-health risks. Environmental-health inspections found cooked foods stored in the “danger zone” (around 50°F), below required temperatures. Staff recommended updating permitting, revised permit-revocation criteria, and administrative citation authority; state law caps administrative fines at $500 per violation.
Enforcement and equity: staff emphasized an education-first approach paired with progressive enforcement; enforcement would be coordinated across PBES, environmental health and the sheriff’s problem-oriented policing team where safety is a concern. Staff also noted that unpermitted vending raises equity concerns for licensed brick-and-mortar businesses that follow health and permitting rules.
Board action: Supervisor Gallagher moved, Supervisor Alessio seconded an intent-to-adopt motion for an ordinance amending Chapter 5.4 for the unincorporated county. The motion passed unanimously. The board asked staff to proceed with code updates that align county code with SB 946 and to coordinate enforcement, outreach and complaint intake.
Next steps: PBES to prepare the final ordinance language for a subsequent hearing and to coordinate public education, complaint handling and enforcement protocols with environmental health and the sheriff’s office. The city jurisdictions were not acted on by this county ordinance; city councils would need to pass their own rules for incorporated areas.
