STREET AND SIDEWALK VENDOR REGULATIONSAPRIL 29, 2025CITY COUNCIL MEETINGAGENDA ITEM 16.1 PURPOSET o present proposed updates to the Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) concerning street and sidewalk vending, aligning local regulations with recent state legislation (SB 946 and SB 972).
BACKGROUND
• The Legislation/Environmental Council
Committee Meeting held on March 24, 2025
• State laws SB 946 & SB 972 were signed into
law in 2018 and 2022.
• New laws establish regulations, enforcement
guidelines, and a new category of vendors
(Compact Mobile Food Operations or
CMFOs).
• Requires an update to the SMC to ensure
compliance and clarity.
• The Legislation/Environmental Council
Committee recommended bringing the
Ordinance to City Council for Approval
KEY CHANGESLicensing and PermittingOperational StandardsCMFOsPermitted LocationsPenalties STATE LAW & LOCAL CONTROLPreemption: State laws like SB 946 and SB 972 can preempt, or override, local ordinances. SB 946 and SB 972 Impacts: •Limitations on Local Government Authority•Enforcement Restrictions •Sets Requirements for Licensing and Permitting ProceduresBalancing Act: Local governments retain some flexibility to regulate time, place, and manner of vending to address local concerns such as traffic congestion, noise, and public safety.
BENEFITS OF STREET VENDING
•Provides entrepreneurship opportunities•Expands consumer access to a diverse range of goods and services Economic Opportunities:
•Enhances the vibrancy and cultural richness of public spaces•Offers unique culinary experiences and handcrafted items Community Enhancement:
CHALLENGES OF INCREASED VENDING
Traffic and Parking
Environmental Impact
Regulatory Gaps
VENDING IN PUBLIC PARKSSB 946 prohibits cities from completely banning vending in public parks, recognizing their importance as public spaces for community gathering and economic activity. •Local Considerations: •Protecting park resources and visitor experiences•Managing potential conflicts with other park uses•Ensuring accessibility for all park users•Potential Solutions: •Designating specific vending zones within parks•Implementing time-based restrictions •Creating specific rules for waste disposal PROPOSED ORDINANCE: KEY FEATURES
•Ensures consistency with SB 946 and SB 972
Compliance with State Law:
•Clear rules for vending locations, hours of operation, and spatial restrictions•Addresses waste management, noise control, and protection of public infrastructure.
Comprehensive Guidelines:
•Establishes specific regulations for Compact Mobile Food Operations CMFO Regulations:
ADDRESS PUBLIC CONCERNS
Carefully balance the needs of vendors with the preservation of public spaces Balancing Interests:
Incorporates provisions related to food preparation, handling, and storage Public Health and Safety:
Provides clear and consistent enforcement procedures
Enforcement:
NEW FEE SCHEDULE•Introduces fees for violations and public property use, generating revenue to support enforcement and maintenance efforts, ensuring that vendors contribute to the costs associated with their operations. •Fees are structured to deter repeat violations and ensure that vendors contribute to the costs associated with their operations, promoting responsible vending practices.
PROPOSED FEES
PROPOSED FEES
RECOMMENDATION•It is recommended that the City Council:•Adopt an Ordinance Amending SMC Titles 5, 8, and 12 (specifically Chapters/Sections 5.08, 5.106, 8.56, 8.70, and 12.56)•Repeal SMC Title 12, Chapter 12.76•Adopt a Resolution approving amendments to Fiscal Year 2024-25 Fee Schedule relating to street and sidewalk vendor fines.•Authorize the City Manager, or designee to take all appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of the ordinances and resolution.