Council adopts tighter rules to curb unpermitted vending near big events, directs outreach to help vendors legalize

San Jose’s City Council voted unanimously March 25 to amend the municipal peddler permit ordinance to give enforcement officers broader authority to impound equipment and remove obstructions that block pedestrian or emergency access and to require liability protections for permitted vendors.

Chief Paul Joseph and City Manager staff framed the changes as a public‑safety measure aimed at crowded special events where unpermitted vendors had blocked sidewalks and emergency ingress in prior years. The police chief said state law (2018) limits cities to time‑place‑manner rules and removes criminal penalties for vending, so the city’s new ordinance focuses on equipment that creates hazards and on administrative enforcement tools.

Why it matters: Downtown event organizers, stadium operators and Christmas‑in‑the‑Park officials testified that unpermitted carts and tables had created unsafe egress conditions at recent events; vendors and community advocates told council they want clear, low‑cost pathways to permits. Staff said the city will combine stepped enforcement with an education and permitting assistance campaign (including Prosperity Lab cohorts) to help entrepreneurs become permitted.

Key ordinance changes: staff described three major amendments — a prohibition on leaving peddling equipment unattended (permittees must display valid permits), a requirement for vendors to carry or document liability protection/indemnity (with option for a waiver), and expanded grounds for impoundment where equipment blocks ingress/egress, hydrants or violates health permits.

Council action: the ordinance amendment passed unanimously. Council requested continued community outreach, a phased enforcement approach and follow‑up reporting to the Council Economic Development committee; staff will provide a downtown report in June with implementation updates.