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Supervisors approve first‑reading vending ordinance to curb sale of stolen goods and create permitting process
Summary
The board approved, on first reading, an ordinance that would regulate street vending through a permit program intended to balance vendors' economic opportunities with prevention of resale of stolen goods; sponsors said the measure is aimed at organized retail theft while including low‑barrier access and language assistance.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on March 8 passed, on first reading, an ordinance to amend the Public Works Code to regulate street vending, require permits and authorize the Department of Public Works to manage the permitting program.
Supervisor Catherine Stefani introduced the measure and Supervisor Hillary Ronan (co‑sponsor) framed it as an effort to address “dirty, crowded, and chaotic” commercial corridors and a growing problem of resale of stolen merchandise on sidewalks and public plazas. Ronan said the legislation aims to “stop people from selling stolen goods, but not to punish immigrant street vendors,” and described elements to reduce barriers to permitting including language access, outreach, fee waivers based on ability to pay, and a 48‑hour opportunity to cure violations before fines or confiscation.
Supervisor Shamann Walton and others noted organized retail theft prompted a multi‑stakeholder working group that included retailers, the Hotel Council, organized labor and law‑enforcement representatives; Supervisor Ronan said deputy sheriffs will be part of an expanded response in some areas and that the Department of Public Works will lead the permitting and enforcement work. Supervisor Ahsha Safaí (co‑sponsor) described the measure as a first step and said enforcement against violent criminal networks remains a police responsibility.
Supporters stressed the ordinance tries to strike a balance: it creates a formal permit structure and low‑barrier access for legitimate vendors while enabling enforcement against the resale of stolen goods and recidivist actors. The legislation also authorizes reduced or eliminated fees for low‑income vendors.
The ordinance passed its first reading unanimously on a roll call vote. City staff said the ordinance will return on second reading for final passage after required notices and administrative steps.
Speakers on the record at the hearing included Supervisor Ronan and Supervisor Safaí; several references were made to the mayor's office staff member Ivy Lee and to the Organized Retail Crime working group. No formal amendments to the ordinance were recorded at the board meeting.
What this means: If ultimately adopted, the ordinance will establish a vendor permitting program administered by the Department of Public Works, include access and language provisions, and provide explicit tools to curb the street resale of stolen merchandise while maintaining low‑barrier pathways for legitimate vendors to participate in the local economy.
