REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
November 7, 2024
FROM: ANNALISA PEREA, Council President
District One
MIGUEL ARIAS, Councilmember
District Three
LUIS CHAVEZ, Councilmember
District Five
SUBJECT
Title
Bill - (For Introduction) - Adding Chapter 10, Article 26 To The Fresno Municipal Code, Entitled "The Sidewalk Vending Ordinance"
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of approval of additions to the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) sections 10-2601 to 10-2606 related to sidewalk vending.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 17, 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 946 (SB 946) into law, which added Chapter 6.2 (commencing with Section 51036) to Part 1 of Division of Title 5 of the California Government Code to regulate sidewalk vendors throughout the state, including within the City of Fresno (the City). Under SB 946, cities are permitted to enact regulations over sidewalk vending that are directly related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns.
BACKGROUND
Sidewalk vendors are vendors who do not operate a food truck or trailer licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The number of sidewalk vendors has increased over the last few years, and the City has invested American Rescue Plan funding (ARPA) into these vendors' businesses to promote the growth and safety of these industries.
Pursuant to Resolution 23-211, from August 1, 2023, through October 31, 2023, there was a Pilot Program established to enforce regulations throughout the Tower District. During that time period, Code Enforcement issued 14 written warnings, seven $100 citations, four $200 citations, and nine $500 citations. Additionally, on February 1, 2024, the City passed Resolution 2024-024 regulating vending in City parks.
It is necessary to establish city-wide guidelines for the operation of these businesses for the safety of the vendors, their patrons, and the public. Specifically, prohibiting sidewalk vendors from operating where placement impedes p...
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