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Committee advances draft sidewalk‑vending ordinance, but businesses and residents press for enforcement and staffing
Summary
County staff presented a draft sidewalk‑vending ordinance aligned with SB 946 and SB 972; the committee agreed to forward the draft to the Board planning agenda with staff to return with fee analysis and enforcement staffing needs after extensive public comment.
Alameda County staff presented a draft ordinance on May 28 to regulate sidewalk vending in the unincorporated areas and align local rules with state law.
Ed Labayog, manager of Code Enforcement, said the draft implements state requirements (SB 946 and SB 972) while establishing a local permitting program that includes site plans for stationary vendors, visible permit displays, and operating conditions. The draft would require liability insurance (staff proposed $1,000,000 for site and vehicle liability where applicable), set buffers from driveways and intersections (10 feet, 30 feet and larger buffers for specific conditions), limit signage, and require coordination with Environmental Health for food vendors. Labayog said outreach materials and translated documents will be developed and staff will maintain a vendor database to aid enforcement.
Business owners and community groups generally supported clarity in rules but urged stronger enforcement and after‑hours coverage. Chuck Meadows (Castro Valley) and chamber representatives asked for evening/weekend enforcement staff; several restaurant owners and brick‑and‑mortar operators raised concerns about unfair competition and inconsistent enforcement across nearby cities. Environmental Health said it conducted a recent after‑hours food impoundment operation in Castro Valley and would continue joint operations with Code Enforcement and the Sheriff on severe violations.
Supervisors expressed interest in fee proposals that balance program costs with accessibility for vendors. Staff agreed to return with a jurisdictional fee comparison, a fee proposal and an analysis of the staff resources needed for effective nights/weekend enforcement. By consensus the committee supported advancing the draft ordinance to the Board planning agenda (staff indicated the board planning item is scheduled for July), with staff to include responses to public comments and required comparative analyses.
