Palm Springs City Council passes updated sidewalk vending ordinance
The Palm Springs City Council approved an ordinance to update its sidewalk vending ordinance.
The council voted 4-1, with Councilmember Lisa Middleton being the lone no vote.
Changes in the ordinance include:
- Sidewalk Width: A 48-inch unobstructed accessible route is required
- Limit the prohibition of sidewalk vending in defined areas of Palm Canyon Drive and Arenas Road from Friday through Sunday between the hours of 4:00pm to 11:00pm during the months of October to April.
- 200-foot separation distance from farmers markets, swap meets, and temporary special events.
- Fines decreased by 50% for violations of the ordinance. There was also a decrease in the fine for first-time violations of operating without a business license.
- 10’ separation distance is required from building entrances, building windows, private driveways, or parking spaces.
- Vendors to be in grassed areas of public parks, but not on athletic field areas
Deputy City Manager Flinn Fagg noted that the environmental health permit process for sidewalk vendors is now in place. Food vendors will be required to have an environmental health permit before obtaining a business license.
According to the city's presentation, after the adoption of the ordinance, Palm Springs plans to create sidewalk vending zones. The city is also planning to organize special events food vendors and mobile food trucks.
The ordinance will go into effect in 30 days.
