Starting on Feb. 1, the City of San Diego will begin fully enforcing the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance in City beach areas after the ordinance became effective in the Coastal Overlay Zone last month, following certification by the California Coastal Commission and the City Council.
The ordinance went into effect in June 2022 in all areas outside the Coastal Overlay Zone, bringing the City into compliance with Senate Bill 946, a California law that decriminalized sidewalk vending statewide and set parameters on how cities could impose regulations. However, implementing and enforcing the sidewalk vending regulations within the Coastal Overlay Zone required certification of the Coastal Commission and City Council approval of any modifications to the ordinance in this area.
The Sidewalk Vending Ordinance requires pushcart and stationary sidewalk vendors to apply for permits to use the public right of way or public property while regulating how, when and where permitted sidewalk vendors conduct business. Sidewalk vendors are explicitly prohibited from interfering with public access to the shoreline. In addition, the ordinance bans sidewalk vending in the Gaslamp Quarter and other specified areas.
Over the past several weeks, City Park Rangers have been sharing educational materials with vendors to outline the parameters of how they can operate legally in and around beach communities. Vendors operating illegally may be cited for violations and subject to fines ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on the number and types of violations. Carts, equipment, and goods may also be impounded.
Since the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance went into effect last year, more than 500 sidewalk vending permits have been issued to local vendors selling jewelry, clothing, apparel, artisan products, home décor, candles, fine art collectibles, novelty items, food products, among a wide array of other items.
All pushcart and stationary sidewalk vendors operating within the City of San Diego are required to have a valid and current Business Tax Certificate, Sidewalk Vending Permit, and City issued photo ID. Food vendors must also have a San Diego County Health Permit and Food Handler Card. More information about permits and the application process is available at sandiego.gov/sidewalk-vending.
