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Santa Cruz updates sidewalk‑vending rules to align with state law and add public‑safety measures
Summary
Council adopted amendments to the sidewalk‑vending ordinance to comply with state law, clarify conduct rules, require vendors to keep a 50‑foot cleanup radius, restrict motorized signs, and authorize supplemental weekend code enforcement during the April 1–Oct 31 active season.
The Santa Cruz City Council voted unanimously to adopt staff‑proposed amendments to the city’s sidewalk‑vending ordinance to align with the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act and recent state regulations.
Laura Landry, the city’s Code Compliance Manager, outlined four primary changes: restrict motorized vending vehicles to the roadway (not sidewalks), improve address signage for first responders, limit animated signage that creates motorized distraction, and require vendors to clean a 50‑foot radius around their vending location. Landry said the amendments also clarify renewal and revocation procedures for vendors who receive four or more citations within a 24‑month period.
The ordinance establishes an "active season" (April 1 through Oct. 31) when supplemental weekend code enforcement by a third‑party contractor will assist enforcement Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Landry said staff will monitor compliance and follow up with post‑counts and enforcement outcomes.
Council members thanked staff for clarifying the program and asked questions about enforcement timing and practical compliance; staff confirmed the ordinance eliminates the cited parking reference and retains objective standards required by state law. The clerk recorded unanimous approval.
