San Diego Municipal Code Div. 1 Sidewalk Vending

(“Sidewalk Vending” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)

(a) Title. This Division shall be known as the Sidewalk Vending Regulations.

(b) Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this Division to provide
for the regulation of sidewalk vendors on public property pursuant to
California Government Code sections 51036 through 51039. The Council
finds and declares that these regulations are directly related to objective
health, safety, and welfare concerns created by competing uses of
sidewalks by residents, visitors, and sidewalk vendors. The Council
further finds and declares that regulations on sidewalk vending in City
parks and beach areas are necessary to ensure the public’s use and
enjoyment of natural resources and recreational opportunities and are
necessary to prevent an undue concentration of commercial activity that
unreasonably interferes with the scenic and natural character of the parks
and beach areas.
(“Title” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)
(Retitled from “Title” to “Title and Purpose” and amended 2-28-2024 by
O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

For purposes of this Division, defined terms appear in italics. The following definitions apply:

Above-ground structure means any structure affixed to a sidewalk, including a
street light, tree well, parking meter, utility structure, utility box, bike rack,
scooter corral, mailbox, trash can, elevator, kiosk, newspaper rack, picnic shelter,
bench, table, wall, sign pole, traffic signal pole, signal pushbutton pole, and stairs.

Ballpark District has the same meaning as in section 59.0102 of this Code.

Beach access point means public stairways, ramps, seawalls, and other physical
access points to the beach.

Beach area has the same meaning as in section 63.20 of this Code.

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Best management practices has the same meaning as in section 43.0302 of this Code.

Business Tax Certificate means a tax certificate issued by the City Treasurer pursuant to Chapter 3, Article 1 of this Code.

Conveyance means any non-motorized wheeled device used to carry persons or property and includes pushcarts, pedal-driven carts, and wagons.

East Village District means the area bounded by Harbor Drive, Park Boulevard, 10th Avenue, Market Street, 22nd Street, Commercial Street, 17th Street, Logan Avenue, and Sigsbee Street.

Encroachment Permit means any permit issued for encroachment on the public right-of-way, including public right-of-way enhancement program permits and right-of-way permits, but excluding permits for hardscape improvements.

Expressive Activity has the same meaning as in section 63.0502 of this Code.

Gaslamp Quarter District means the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District area depicted in Figure A of Chapter 15, Article 7 of the Municipal Code, which is described as extending from the south side of Broadway to Harbor Drive, and from the east side of Fourth Avenue to the west side of Sixth Avenue. Also included is the west side of Fourth Avenue (to the mid-block property line) between Market Street and Island Avenue.

Goods means items, personal property, merchandise, or any other similar item that is generally sold, including food and beverages.

Hardscape means paving material, including tiles, mortared pavers, decomposed granite, colored or patterned concrete with a tile, brick, or stone appearance, or a paving material with enhanced concrete that has an exposed aggregate, colored, or salt finish.

High-traffic bike and shared use path means Bayside Walk; Bayshore Bikeway; Coast Boulevard Boardwalk between Jenner Street and Cuvier Street, including popouts; Ocean Front Walk; Crown Point Bike Path; La Jolla Shores Boardwalk; Liberty Station NTC Path; Mission Bay Bike Path; MLK Promenade; Ocean Boulevard Bike Path; Ocean Beach Bike Path; San Diego River Bike Path; and, Scripps Park Boardwalk, which runs along the perimeter of Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

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High-traffic sidewalk means Columbia Street, Kettner Boulevard, and India Street between Ash Street and West Kalmia Street located in Little Italy, and San Diego Avenue between Conde Street and Twiggs Street in Old Town.

Loading zone means the space adjacent to a curb designated for the loading or unloading of passengers or materials.

Major transit stop means the portion of a site designated as the passenger loading area that contains any of the following: an existing rail transit station, a ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods.

Park has the same meaning as in section 63.0102(b) of this Code.

Permittee means the person named as permittee on a duly issued vending permit.

Permitted event means any event that has a special event permit, park use permit, or lake use permit, including farmers markets, street fairs, races, and private events.

Plaza means a public square or other large urban open space typically 1,000 square feet or greater in size under the control of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and designated as a City plaza, which is primarily intended to allow the public to congregate to enjoy surrounding public amenities, such as fountains, benches, tables, landscaping, or historical structures.

Portable cooking equipment means any gas-fueled appliance used to heat, cook, or prepare food or beverages on a conveyance by a sidewalk vendor.

Public right-of-way means a public easement for streets, alleys, or other uses, other than a sidewalk.

Residential means any area that is zoned exclusively for residential uses.

Roaming sidewalk vendor means a sidewalk vendor who moves from place to
place and stops only to complete a transaction.

School means an institution of learning that offers instruction in those courses of
study required by the California Education Code or that is maintained pursuant to
standards set by the State Board of Education. This definition does not include a
vocational or professional institution or an institution of higher education,
including a community or junior college, college, or university.

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Services are activities involving the performance of work for others or the provision of intangible items directly to a person or to a group of people at the same time that cannot be returned once they are provided. Examples include hair styling, massage, yoga, exercise classes, and dog training.

Sidewalk means a public paved or hardscape path or walkway that is specifically designed for pedestrian travel. It excludes any area primarily designed for use by vehicles or the conveyance of storm water, any area planted with landscaping, or any area primarily consisting of dirt or sand.

Sidewalk vendor means a person who sells goods or provides services from vending equipment or from one’s person upon a sidewalk. It includes both roaming sidewalk vendors and stationary sidewalk vendors.

Stationary sidewalk vendor means a sidewalk vendor who vends from a fixed location.

Summer moratorium means the Saturday prior to Memorial Day and the preceding Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day.

Vend or vending means with respect to any goods or services, to sell, offer to sell, expose or display for sale, solicit offers to purchase, barter, or require someone to negotiate, establish, or pay a fee before providing goods or services, even if characterized as a donation, on a public street, alley, highway, parking lot, sidewalk, or public right-of-way.

Vending equipment means any conveyance, table, stand, display, showcase, rack, or any other free-standing equipment used for vending on the sidewalk.

Vending permit means a written City of San Diego approval required prior to vending. (“Definitions” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.) (Amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

(a) No vending shall take place except in accordance with the provisions of this Division or when otherwise authorized by the City.

(b) All sidewalk vendors shall obtain a vending permit prior to vending on any
sidewalk. Permits shall be issued by the City Manager or designee, unless
otherwise specified in the Code.

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(c) A vending permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and
must be renewed annually. A vending permit may only be issued to an
individual at least eighteen years of age. Any sale, assignment, or transfer
of the vending permit is prohibited. A vending permit that is sold,
assigned, or transferred is void.

(d) To obtain a vending permit, a sidewalk vendor must submit the following
information on a permit application form provided by the City:

(1) the name, address and telephone number of the sidewalk vendor;

(2) proof of valid, government-issued photo identification;

(3) the name and business address of the company, partnership, or
corporation if the sidewalk vendor is an agent of a company,
partnership, or corporation;

(4) a current valid business tax certificate issued to the sidewalk vendor,
or if the sidewalk vendor is an employee, a current valid business tax
certificate for the business employing the sidewalk vendor along with
proof of employment, such as a current pay stub. With the submission
of a complete vending permit application, a vending permit may be
issued with the submission of a complete business tax certificate
application, which may be submitted concurrently with, or prior to, the
vending permit application;

(5) proof of a California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
seller’s permit applicable to the sidewalk vendor to the extent required
by law that notes the City of San Diego as a location or sub-location,
which is valid for the duration of the vending permit;

(6) for those sidewalk vendors selling food, proof of both:

(A) a valid San Diego County Environmental Health Permit applicable to the vending equipment to be used for food preparation and storage to the extent required by law; and

(B) either a Manager’s Food Safety Certificate or a San Diego
County Food Handlers Card applicable to the sidewalk vendor
to the extent required by law;

(7) a certification by the sidewalk vendor that to the sidewalk vendor’s
knowledge and belief, the information contained on the form is true;
and

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(8) such other information as the City Manager deems reasonably
necessary to administer this Division.

(e) Each vending permit application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable
permit fee and a signed waiver of release and indemnification consistent with
section 36.0103(g).

(f) Each individual who intends to vend on a sidewalk must complete an
application even if the individual:

(1) is employed or engaged by another individual or a business; or

(2) will use vending equipment owned by another individual or a business.

(g) Release and Indemnification Requirements

(1) If the City issues a vending permit, as a condition of such permit
issuance, permittee agrees to waive and release the City and its
officers, agents, employees, contractors, and volunteers from and
against any and all claims, costs, liabilities, expenses, or judgments
including attorney fees and court costs arising out of any vending
activities or any illness or injury resulting therefrom, and shall agree to
indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents, employees,
contractors, and volunteers from and against any and all such claims,
whether caused by negligence or otherwise, except for illness and
injury resulting directly from gross negligence or willful misconduct
on the part of the City, its officers, agents, employees, contractors and
volunteers.

(2) If the City issues a vending permit, as a condition of such vending
permit issuance, permittee shall acknowledge that the use of any
sidewalk is at the sidewalk vendor’s own risk and the City will not
take any steps to ensure any sidewalk is safe or conducive to the
vending activities.

(h) A permittee must immediately notify the City in writing of any changes to the
facts provided in a vending permit application after the issuance of a vending
permit.

(“Vending Permit Requirement” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective
6-22-2022.)

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(a) A vending permit application shall be denied if the applicant had a prior vending permit revoked within the past 36 calendar months. A vending permit application may also be denied or a vending permit may be revoked or not renewed for any of the following reasons:

(1) provision of false statements, information, or facts by the sidewalk
vendor in a vending permit application;

(2) failure of the sidewalk vendor to notify the City Manager within
fifteen calendar days of any changes to the facts provided in a vending
permit application after the issuance of a vending permit;

(3) repeated failure of the sidewalk vendor to comply with the regulations
in this Division;

(4) violations of other local, state, or federal laws while operating as a
sidewalk vendor; or

(5) the use of any vending equipment in a manner that endangers public
health or safety.

(b) If the application is for the renewal of a vending permit, the sidewalk vendor
must pay all outstanding administrative fines and complete any other
alternative disposition associated in any way with a previous violation of this
Division before a vending permit will be renewed.

(c) Notice of Revocation of a vending permit with any and all specific grounds
for revocation shall be served in writing no less than 30 calendar days before
revocation to the address listed on the initial application or to any subsequent
address provided to the City by the permittee.

(d) Any sidewalk vendor whose application for a vending permit is denied or
whose vending permit is revoked may appeal such decision to the City
Manager by filing a written notice of appeal with the City Manager or his
designee within 10 calendar days after receipt of the notice of denial or
revocation. The appeal hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the
administrative enforcement hearing procedure set forth in Chapter 1,
Article 2, Division 4 of this Code.

(“Permit Denial and Revocation” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective
6-22-2022.)

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(a) Sidewalk vendors shall visibly display their sidewalk vending permit at all times when vending, including any photo identification issued by the City.

(b) Vending activities on residential blocks may occur only between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and sunset.

(c) Vending activities on non-residential blocks may occur only between the
hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or the hours of operation imposed on other
businesses on the same block, whichever is least restrictive.

(d) A vending permit does not provide an exclusive right to operate on any
sidewalk or portion thereof.

(e) Sidewalk vendors shall comply with all applicable laws relating to the
employment of minors. Any minor assisting with or engaged in vending shall
be accompanied by a sidewalk vendor with a valid vending permit. Any and
all actions of the minor related to vending, including any violations committed
by the minor, are attributable to the sidewalk vendor.

(f) Only roaming sidewalk vendors may operate in residential areas.

(g) Sidewalk vendors are responsible for ensuring that the 10-foot area
immediately surrounding the vending space is kept clean and free of trash and
debris associated with their vending operation.

(1) All sidewalk vendors shall provide a trash receptacle for customers
and shall ensure proper disposal of customer trash. The trash
receptacle must be large enough to accommodate customer trash so
that public trash receptacles located on any block for use by the
general public do not have to be used by customers.

(2) Sidewalk vendors shall not dispose of customer or sidewalk vendor
trash in trash receptacles that the City provides for public use.

(h) Sidewalk vendors engaged in the vending of food or beverages shall display a
valid San Diego County Environmental Health Permit and have hand sanitizer
located in a conspicuous location readily available for use by customers.

(i) Sidewalk vendors shall not display any goods for sale on the ground or on any
above-ground structure.

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(j) No vendor shall vend to any person traveling in a motor vehicle along a public
roadway. Vending in or from a parked vehicle is addressed in section 54.0122.

(k) Sidewalk vendors shall not leave vending equipment or goods unattended at any time.

(l) Sidewalk vendors shall not connect to an external source of power, water, or
any other utilities located on public property.

(m) To maintain accessibility standards, sidewalk vendors shall not place or allow
any obstruction to be placed on the sidewalk that would reduce the width of
the sidewalk to less than 48 inches excluding the curb, except for the brief
duration of time for a roaming sidewalk vendor to conduct a sale.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, sidewalk vendors shall immediately move to
provide access to the sidewalk to avoid impeding the flow of pedestrian or
other traffic.

(n) No stationary sidewalk vendor is permitted on a sidewalk less than six feet in
width.

(o) Sidewalk vendors shall not engage in or offer to engage in any type of rental
activity, including the rental of any goods or services.

(p) Sidewalk vendors shall display only goods that are available for immediate
on-site sale.

(q) Sidewalk vendors shall not display any signs advertising any off-site business.

(r) Sidewalk vendors who vend any food, beverage, or liquid product must
implement the following best management practices:

(1) possess spill kits that are comprised of paper towels, cloth towels, cat
litter, or sand at all times while vending;

(2) remove all spill materials from the public right‐of‐way and sidewalks
once the spilled material is absorbed off the ground;

(3) capture and prevent spills leaving the area and moving into the
surrounding streets from entering the storm water conveyance system,
including curbs, gutters, and storm drains;

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(4) properly dispose of grease, either by hiring and utilizing an on‐site
grease collector or collection system, or at an acceptable facility; and

(5) ensure that any water or rinse residue used for vending activities (e.g., cooler water, ice, food preparation water) is not disposed in the curbs, gutters, streets, drains, or on any public property.

(s) As it relates to the space occupied by the sidewalk vendor as set forth in
section 36.0108(b)(2), sidewalk vendors may not use more than five square
feet or 25 percent of the vending space, whichever is less, for items not
directly related to vending operations.

(t) Vending that substantially and adversely affects the health, safety, or welfare
of any individual is prohibited.

(u) Sidewalk vendors shall not leave vending equipment on a sidewalk or public
right-of-way when not vending or in the immediate process of setting up or
concluding vending activity.
(“Sidewalk Vending Generally” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective
6-22-2022.)
(Amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

(a) No stationary sidewalk vendor shall vend and no roaming sidewalk vendor shall stop to make sales in the following locations:

(1) in the public right-of-way, or any area that blocks the safe flow of
pedestrians or vehicles;

(2) any public property that does not meet the definition of a sidewalk,
including but not limited to any alley, beach, street, street or roadway
median, or street end;

(3) any parking lots;

(4) on any slope greater than five percent or where signage indicates that
wheels must be cramped to the curb;

(5) any location that obstructs traffic signals or regulatory signs;

(6) the Ballpark District during an event or game or within three hours
before or one hour after an event or game;

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(7) Sports Arena Boulevard between Hancock Street and East Drive
during an event or game or within three hours before or one hour after
an event or game at the arena;

(8) within 18 inches from the edge of a curb;

(9) within 5 feet in front of or 65 feet behind the sidewalk along a bus
stop, tram or non-rail trolley stop as measured linearly along the curb
from the sign marking the bus stop, tram, or non-rail trolley stop;

(10) within 10 feet of any:

(A) driveway;

(B) marked crosswalk; or

(C) fire escape or emergency exit.

(11) within 15 feet of any:

(A) other sidewalk vendor;

(B) intersection;

(C) building entrance;

(D) high-traffic sidewalk;

(E) loading zone, parking space, or access ramp designed for
individuals with disabilities;

(F) outdoor dining or patio area;

(G) public restroom;

(H) curb ramp;

(I) location with a valid encroachment permit displayed; or

(J) high-traffic bike and shared use path.

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(12) within 25 feet of any:

(A) beach access point; or

(B) pier.

(13) within 50 feet of any:

(A) railroad crossing; or

(B) major transit stop.

(14) within 100 feet of:

(A) the vehicle entrance of any fire station, police department,
hospital, lifeguard station, or any other structure dedicated to
health and safety emergency matters; or

(B) any City street or sidewalk closure.

(15) within 150 feet of Harbor Drive between Front Street and Park
Boulevard during a convention or event held at the San Diego
Convention Center or within three hours before or one hour after a
convention or event at the Convention Center.

(16) within 500 feet of:

(A) any permitted event;

(B) any school while children are going to or from the school,
during a recess period or within 30 minutes before or after the
school’s opening or closing hours; or

(C) the open-air baseball facility, located in East Village currently
known as Petco Park, and the indoor arena located in Midway
District currently known as Pechanga Arena within three hours
before or one hour after an event or game.

(b) Stationary sidewalk vendors shall not vend within 50 feet of another
stationary sidewalk vendor in any City-designated promenade, except that
City-designated promenades that are defined as high-traffic sidewalks shall be
subject instead to the prohibition on vending under section 36.0106(a)(11)(D).

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(c) Stationary sidewalk vendors shall not vend within 5 feet of any above- ground
structure.

(d) Stationary sidewalk vendors shall not vend within 15 feet of any fire hydrant
or fire lane.

(e) Sidewalk vendors shall not vend on sidewalks on the following streets during the summer moratorium: Newport Avenue between Abbott Street and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in Ocean Beach; Ventura Place between Mission Boulevard and Ocean Front Walk in Mission Beach; Garnet Avenue between Ocean Front Walk and Cass Street in Pacific Beach; and Coast Boulevard between Cave Street and the 200 block of Coast Boulevard South in La Jolla.

(f) Sidewalk vendors shall not vend within the East Village District.

(g) Sidewalk vendors shall not vend on any City property subject to a lease
agreement so long as proper notice is provided of the prohibited location(s).

(h) Sidewalk vendors shall not vend within the Gaslamp Quarter District.

(“Vending Locations” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)

The following provisions apply in parks, plazas, and beach areas. Where the following provisions are more restrictive than those set forth in section 36.0106, sidewalk vendors shall comply with the more restrictive provisions:

(a) Sidewalk vendors shall stop vending before the designated closing time of the
park, plaza, or beach area.

(b) Vending is permitted between 8:00 a.m. and sunset in parks, plazas, and
beach areas where there is no designated closing time.

(c) Sidewalk vendors shall not vend within 50 feet of another sidewalk vendor.

(d) Sidewalk vendors shall not vend within 25 feet of any decorative fountain,
statue, monument, memorial, or art installation.

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(e) Subject to applicable law, the City Manager is authorized to enact rules and
regulations to prohibit vending in any space that would obstruct, damage or
otherwise adversely affect the public’s use and enjoyment of natural resources
and recreation opportunities or contribute to an undue concentration of
commercial activity that unreasonably interferes with the scenic and natural
character of a park.

(f) Stationary sidewalk vendors are not permitted within any area of a park or
plaza if the park or plaza operator has signed an agreement for concessions
that exclusively permits the sale of goods or services by a specified
concessionaire, provided that notice by signage or other means is provided to
the stationary sidewalk vendor.

(g) Vending activities are prohibited in the following locations in Balboa Park:

(1) within 25 feet of: El Prado, Village Place, Pan American Road East,
Pan American Road West, Pan American Plaza, Old Globe Way,
Chapel Road, Spanish Village, Plaza de Panama, Plaza de California,
Plaza de Balboa, War Memorial Building, the Carousel, Spreckels
Organ Pavilion, Presidents Way, or any covered walkway.

(2) within 25 feet of the following gardens: 1935 Old Cactus Garden,
Alcazar Garden, Casa del Rey Moro Garden, Desert Garden, Florida
Canyon Native Plant Preserve, Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose
Garden, Marston House Garden, Palm Canyon, Trees for Health
Garden, Veterans Memorial Garden, and Zoro Garden.

(3) within 50 feet of the Botanical Building or Lily Pond.

(4) within Balboa Park between December 25 and January 1.

(h) Consistent with applicable law, the City Manager has the authority to
reasonably limit the number of sidewalk vendors in certain parks by requiring
sidewalk vendors to obtain an additional park sales permit to vend in the
following locations: Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Ocean Beach Park,
Mission Beach Park, Kellogg Park, Ocean Boulevard Park, Ellen Browning
Scripps Park, South Mission Beach Park, and Torrey Pines City Park.

(i) Vending is prohibited during the summer moratorium in Balboa Park, Mission
Bay Park, and the Shoreline Parks, which are those parks contiguous to the
shoreline or beach in the communities of Ocean Beach, Mission Beach,
Pacific Beach, and La Jolla.

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(j) Vending is prohibited in the following locations: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
and Mission Beach Park as defined in section 63.50 of this Code.

(k) Sidewalk vendors shall not use amplified or non-amplified sound-making
devices in conjunction with vending, such as speakers, microphones, public
address systems, bells, and chimes.
(“Vending in Public Parks, Plazas, and Beach Areas” added 5-23-2022 by
O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)
(Retitled from “Vending in Public Parks, Plazas, and Beach Areas” to “Vending
in Parks, Plazas, and Beach Areas” and amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.;
effective 3-29-2024.)

(a) Notwithstanding any specific provisions of this Division, a sidewalk vendor shall not use vending equipment in a manner that violates any law by endangering the safety of person or property or causing a public or private nuisance.

(b) Sidewalk vendors shall not:

(1) display goods less than 28 inches or more than 34 inches off the
ground;

(2) occupy a space exceeding 24 square feet, greater than 8 feet in length,
or 4 feet in width including vending equipment, but excluding the
space the sidewalk vendor’s own person occupies;

(3) use or display any item, equipment, or structure greater than 8 feet in
height or extends or overhangs more than 4 inches, unless the
protrusion is located 27 inches or less, or 80 inches or more from the
ground;

(4) use amplified sound-making devices in conjunction with vending, such
as speakers, microphones, and public address systems; and

(5) set up customer seating areas.

(i) Sidewalk vendors may only have a chair for personal use.

(ii) Sidewalk vendors that do not serve food or beverages may use
tables only for vending purposes, such as conducting
transactions or displaying goods for sale.

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(iii) Sidewalk vendors that serve food or beverages must conduct all
vending from a permitted conveyance in accordance with their
health permit from the County Department of Environmental
Health and Quality.

(c) No vending equipment may be attached to or make contact with any utility
pole, street sign, bus stop, trash can, traffic pole, or other public structure.

(d) Sidewalk vendors shall not use:

(1) portable generators;

(2) outdoor wood burning ovens or charcoal barbecues; and

(3) gasoline or kerosene.

(e) Roaming sidewalk vendors shall not use any portable cooking equipment, gas- fueled appliance, or any open flame unless approved and permitted by the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality.

(f) Notwithstanding subsection (d), stationary sidewalk vendors with required
permits from the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality
such as a Mobile Food Facilities permit may use portable cooking equipment
authorized by such permits in compliance with the California Retail Food
Code and subject to the following regulations:

(1) While the portable cooking equipment is in operation:

(A) It must be kept at least 20 feet from any permanent structure
and at least 30 feet from dry grass, grain, brush, or forested
area;

(B) It must not be unattended; and

(C) The stationary sidewalk vendor shall not smoke or vape.

(2) The stationary sidewalk vendor must regularly clean the portable
cooking equipment to remove grease and food buildup.

(3) The stationary sidewalk vendor shall:

(A) use only propane, natural gas, or butane cylinder tanks;

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(B) use or store only propane, natural gas, or butane tanks of
20 gallons or less, with a limit of two 20-gallon tanks on a
conveyance;

(C) store tanks in an upright position during use and positioned in
such a way as to prevent falling, tipping, and tampering;

(D) disconnect all tanks while the conveyance is in transit or not in
use;

(E) use only tanks with a shut-off valve and a pressure regulator,
having hoses of a type approved for use by the manufacturer
with the equipment; and

(F) test all connections to the tank for potential leaks using soap
and water before each use.

(4) Any conveyance that stores a tank shall have two ventilation openings
on opposite sides at the cylinder valve level and at least one ventilation
opening at the floor level. Each opening shall be a minimum of
10 square inches, screened with a minimum 16 mesh and shall vent to
the exterior of the conveyance.

(5) Stationary sidewalk vendors shall comply with the following fire
extinguisher requirements:

(A) Keep an easily accessible, properly charged and maintained
10 BC-rated fire extinguisher on the conveyance at all times
and be familiar with its proper use. Stationary sidewalk
vendors shall ensure the extinguisher has been serviced within
the last year and has a valid California State Fire Marshal
service tag attached;

(B) Mount the extinguisher securely to the vending equipment; and

(C) Locate the extinguisher away from the cooking area.
(“Sidewalk Vending Equipment and Goods” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.;
effective 6-22-2022.)
(Amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 3: Business Regulations, Business Taxes, Permits and Licenses (4-2026)

Sidewalk vendors are prohibited from vending the following goods: alcoholic beverages; tobacco and tobacco products; vaping products; smoking and drug related paraphernalia, not including apparel; cannabis and cannabis products; weapons, including knives, guns, or explosive devices; BB devices or imitation firearms; pharmaceuticals; live animals; harmful materials to minors as defined in section 58.07 of this Code; or other products prohibited by local, state and federal laws. (“Prohibited Sales” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)

(a) Any violation of this Division by a sidewalk vendor holding a valid vending permit shall be subject to the following:

(1) an administrative citation and $100 penalty for a first violation.

(2) an administrative citation and $200 penalty for a second violation
within one year of the first violation.

(3) an administrative citation and $500 penalty for a third and each
subsequent violation within one year of the first violation.

(b) Any sidewalk vendor found vending without a vending permit, if required
pursuant to this Division, shall immediately cease vending and be subject to
the following:

(1) an administrative fine of $250 for a first violation.

(2) an administrative fine of $500 for a second violation within one year
of the first violation.

(3) an administrative fine of $1,000 for a third and each subsequent
violation within one year of the first violation.

(c) If a sidewalk vendor who was fined for vending without a vending permit
provides proof of a valid vending permit issued by the City that is applicable
on the date of the violation, the administrative fines shall be reduced to the
administrative fine schedule set forth in section 36.0110(a).

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 3: Business Regulations, Business Taxes, Permits and Licenses (4-2026)

(d) Administrative citations may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 1, Article 2,
Division 5 of this Code and all appeals shall be conducted in accordance with
Chapter 1, Article 2, Division 4.

(1) In addition to the powers conferred upon the enforcement hearing
officer under section 12.0407 of this Code, such officer shall take into
consideration the person’s ability to pay the fine upon their request. If
the hearing officer finds the person meets the criteria described in
California Government Code section 68632(a) or (b), or any successor
section, the hearing officer shall order the City to accept, in full
satisfaction, 20 percent of the administrative fine imposed pursuant to
this Division.

(2) The hearing officer shall have the authority to allow the person to
complete community service in lieu of paying the total administrative
fine.
(“Penalties and Fines” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)
(Amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

(a) The City may impound vending equipment and any goods therein, for any of the following reasons:

(1) leaving vending equipment or goods unattended in violation of section
36.0105(k);

(2) vending prohibited goods in violation of section 36.0109;

(3) vending without a valid vending permit in violation of
section 36.0110(b);

(4) vending food without a valid and displayed San Diego County
Environmental Health Permit in violation of section 36.0105(h);

(5) vending in violation of this Division and the sidewalk vendor refuses
or fails to provide identification upon request by an Enforcement
Official;

(6) vending in apparent violation of this Division and the sidewalk vendor
refuses or fails to remove the vending equipment from the sidewalk,
park, or other property within 30 consecutive minutes after being
instructed to do so by an Enforcement Official;

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 3: Business Regulations, Business Taxes, Permits and Licenses (4-2026)

(7) vending in a manner that blocks or obstructs the free movement of
pedestrians or other traffic on sidewalks and fails to maintain a
minimum of 48 inches of accessible path of travel in violation of
section 36.0105(m);

(8) vending in a manner that creates an imminent and substantial danger
or environmental hazard to the health, safety, or general welfare of the
public or the property at the location of the vending equipment.
Examples include discharge of oil, grease, or other slippery substance
without any effort to maintain best management practices; using
unapproved portable cooking equipment, heating element, gas-fueled
appliance, generator, or any open flame; using cooking equipment
without a fire extinguisher; or vending during urgent or emergency
public safety events or incidents; or

(9) vending by a sidewalk vendor who has, within a 24-month period,
been issued three or more administrative citations for violations of this
Division.

(b) Vending equipment or goods that are evidence of a crime or booked as property after arrest of a sidewalk vendor for violation of any local, state, or federal laws or regulations, excluding this Division, may be impounded in accordance with San Diego Police Department’s applicable policies and procedures.

(c) The City may immediately dispose of impounded goods that cannot be safely
stored or that are perishable.

(d) Any owner of impounded vending equipment or any goods may, within
10 days, request an administrative hearing before a hearing officer appointed
by the City.

(e) The City Manager shall provide the person from whom the goods or vending
equipment were taken with a receipt and instructions for retrieval of the
impounded items, excluding any items that were disposed of according to
section 36.0111(c). The receipt and instructions shall either be given to the
person from whom the items were taken at the time of impound or shall be
mailed within two business days of the impound to the address received by
the City when the person applied for a vending permit.

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(f) Impounded vending equipment and goods, excluding any items that were
disposed of according to section 36.0111(c), will be released to the sidewalk
vendor or owner provided that proper proof of ownership is presented, and the
City receives payment in full of all administrative costs incurred as a result of
the violation. Any unclaimed items will be considered abandoned and
forfeited to the City after 90 days following impoundment.
(“Impounding of Vending Equipment” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective
6-22-2022.)
(Amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

(a) Nothing in this Division prevents the City from taking action to further compliance with, or enforcement of, other local, state and federal laws.

(b) Sidewalk vendors engaged in vending food items are a health-regulated
business subject to section 42.0102 of this Code. This Division does not
affect the regulation of mobile food trucks as described in section
141.0612, sales out of vehicles as described in section 54.0122, or
farmers' markets as described in section 141.0503.

(c) All individuals engaged in vending subject to the provisions of this
Division must comply with the aggressive solicitation prohibitions
contained in Chapter 5, Article 2, Division 40 of this Code.
(“Applicability” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)

The following persons, entities, or activities are exempt from the requirements of this Division:

(a) any person engaged in expressive activity authorized by Chapter 6, Article 3,
Division 5 of this Code;

(b) agencies of any federal, state, or local governments;

(c) any person engaged in commercial activity or providing services in parks
authorized by section 63.0102(c)(14); and

(d) any lessee or permittee of the City vending on City-owned property where
vending is authorized under a City lease or permit.
(“Non-Applicability” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)
(Amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

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§36.0114 [Reserved] (Retitled from “Vending that Constitutes an Imminent and Substantial Safety or Environmental Hazard” to “[Reserved]” and amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

Notwithstanding sections 36.0105(l) through (n), 36.0105(s), 36.0106, 36.0107(c) through (e), 36.0107(g), and 36.0108(b)(2), the City Manager is authorized to designate one or more entrepreneurship zones in the City subject to the approval of the City Council by resolution where sidewalk vendors may vend in these zones subject to the rules and regulations enacted by the City Manager. If the City Manager enacts such rules and regulations pursuant to section 36.0115, it shall be unlawful to vend in violation of these rules and regulations. (Entrepreneurship Zones” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)

The City Manager shall annually report to the City Council or the appropriate City Council Committee on the results of implementing and enforcing this Article, including:

(a) the total number of vending permits issued by the City;

(b) the total number of vending permits denied and revoked during the prior year;

(c) the total cost to the City to administratively implement and enforce the
regulations in this Article during the prior year;

(d) the total amount of vending permit fees and administrative fines collected
pursuant to this Article during the prior year;

(e) the total amount of written warnings and referrals to community-based
organizations issued pursuant to this Article during the prior year;

(f) the total number of claims and lawsuits brought against the City related to
sidewalk vending and the amount of money that the City has expended to
defend and resolve such lawsuits, including any judgments or settlements,
during the prior year; and

(g) any proposed changes to these regulations.
(“Reporting Requirements” added 5-23-2022 by O-21459 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.)

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