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Cotati staff seeks council direction on sidewalk vendors, food trucks and parklets
Summary
At a workshop staff outlined options to implement state vending laws, proposing business‑license and health‑permit requirements, limits to stationary vending near single‑family residences, food‑truck rules for private commercial sites, and temporary parklet expansions; public commenters urged minimal barriers for small Hispanic entrepreneurs and asked for stronger enforcement capacity.
Cotati — City planning staff presented a workshop on local implementation options after recent state changes expanding sidewalk vending statewide (SB 972, SB 946). The goal, staff said, is to balance accessibility and economic opportunity for microentrepreneurs with pedestrian access, health and nuisance protections.
What staff proposed: Staff recommended requiring vending operators to hold the usual city business license and county health permits, setting operational limits for stationary vending (e.g., a small footprint and hours that avoid overnight use in residential areas), preserving sidewalk accessibility (clear ADA paths), and limiting garish signage. For food trucks, staff proposed allowing trucks on private commercial or industrial properties by‑right subject to standards (restroom/commissary access, parking…
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