Vallejo Municipal Code Ch. 16.318 Farmer's Markets

These provisions establish regulations for the creation and operation of farmers' markets; implementing the general plan's healthy community policies and contributing to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of residents. More specifically, to:

A. Increase community access to fresh local produce;

B. Strengthen the health and social environment of the community by supporting projects that engage and involve a wide variety of community members while providing an opportunity for physical exercise;

C. Promote a use that encourages pedestrian activity in areas of the city where they are located;

D. Promote local events such as small music venues and performing arts; and

E. Promote economic opportunities for local artists, food purveyors and local vendors.

A. Minor Use Permit Required. A farmers' market shall require a minor use permit, pursuant to Chapter 16.606, Zoning Compliance Review.

B. Other Licenses and Permits. The market operator and vendors shall be approved by the director and secure all necessary licenses, certificates and health permits, including permits for street closure, and encroachment permit from the public works department if applicable. All permits (or copies of them) shall be in the possession of the farmers' market manager during all hours of operation.

C. Qualified Operator. Farmers' markets must be operated by one or more produces, a non-profit organization, a local government agency or a combination thereof.

D. Management Plan. A written management plan shall be prepared and provided to the director for review and approval. The management plan shall include the following:

1. Identification of a market manager or managers, who shall be present during all hours of operation.

2. A set of operating rules addressing the governance structure of the market; the method of assigning booths and registering vendors; hours of operation; maintenance; security; solid waste collection; and parking.

3. Location with map and streets and information as to which streets and sidewalks will be impacted.

4. Outreach plan to local businesses impacted with a written communication plan and business engagement plan.

5. Parking and pedestrian plan for visitors.

6. Traffic plan approved by the traffic engineer, and review by the police department for implementation.

7. Waste disposal plan shall be approved by the franchise waste hauler for pick-up.

E. Hours of Operation. Market activities may be conducted between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Set-up of market operations cannot begin more than one hour prior to the operational hours of the market and take-down shall be completed within one hour of the close of the market.

F. Waste Disposal. Adequate composting, recycling, and trash containers shall be provided during hours of operation and shall be removed from site for appropriate disposal. The site shall be cleaned at the end of each day of operations, including the removal of all stalls and debris.

G. Pedestrian Clearance. A farmers' market shall not obstruct any sidewalk or path or ADA accessible area that is part of a pedestrian circulation system.