Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance
City Council
October 21, 2025
1 Background
• Increase in sidewalk vendors throughout Alameda the last few years at annual events and community celebrations
• City Council Strategic Plan project #CS33
• Interdepartmental team collaborated to create a framework and permit process for non-motorized sidewalk vendors in the public right of way and on public property
• Reviewed sidewalk vending ordinances from Dublin, Hayward, and Santa Monica
2 SB 946 – Safe Sidewalk Vending Act
• SB 946, the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (2019)
– Decriminalizes sidewalk vending
– Allows cities to establish a permit system within specified framework of restrictions
– Effort to create economic opportunities for low-income and immigrant communities while also protecting public
health and safety
3 Community Input
• Solicited input from Thompson Ave neighbors, business community, local mobile vendor, and Alameda Unified
School District
• Strong support from Alameda Chamber and Downtown
Alameda
– Does not impact brick and mortar sidewalk displays
4 Framework
• Applies to non-motorized sidewalk vendors on public property and right of way, not private
• Stationary – prohibited in residential neighborhoods, allowed in commercial from 7:00am – 10:00pm
• Roaming – allowed in all areas from 8:00am (or sunrise) to 8:00pm (or sunset)
• For safety purposes, not allowed on Thompson Ave and
specified surrounding streets during December on Fri/Sat/Sun from 4:00pm to 9:00am and week before Dec. 25th
5 Permit Process
• City Encroachment Permit required. Applicant must
show proof of:
– City business license
– Alameda County Environmental Health Dept permit (if selling food) – CA Seller’s Permit (tax license)
– Insurance, including workers’ comp and commercial auto with a minimum of $1,000,000
• Apply annually with $50 permit fee
6 Operational Requirements
• Maintain ADA clearance on sidewalks
• Comply with Noise Regulations and no flashing lights
• Not within 200 feet of permitted special event
• Safe distance from driveways, crosswalks, corners, bus shelters, school drop offs, etc.
• Not blocking bike lanes or obstructing visibility
• Cannot sell prohibited items
• Maintain sanitary conditions
7 Vendor Education
• Website in multiple languages and QR code
• Brochure in multiple languages for Code Enforcement Officers and Business Districts to share when encountering vendors • At Christmas Tree Lane, posting A-Frames with website and vendor program info
8 Enforcement
• Enforced by City Code Enforcement Officers
• Primarily complaint based with limited proactive enforcement for specific events
• Enforcement of evenings and weekends intermittent due to staff availability and overtime
• Verbal and written warnings that can escalate to three administrative citations ($100, $200, $500) then permit revoked.
Equipment can be impounded by Police Department
9 Considerations
• $50 annual permit fee could be reduced or waived
• Business license minimum annual fee of $119 could be reduced or waived.
– Requires updating the Business License Ordinance and fee schedule. – Sets a precedent
10 Comments and Questions
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