REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Approve Introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Santa Clara City Code to Create a Limited-Term Pilot Project Regulating Vending Upon Certain Public Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths Surrounding Levi's Stadium on Event Days Including the Waiver of Certain Business and Permit Fees
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SB 946 prohibits California cities and counties from banning sidewalk vendors from operating on public sidewalks or other pedestrian pathways and prohibits cities from regulating sidewalk vendors unless cities establish a permitting system that is consistent with the provisions of SB 946. SB 946 also requires that any restrictions placed on sidewalk vendors be directly related to objective health, safety or welfare concerns. Local jurisdictions that wish to regulate sidewalk vending are required to first adopt a program with regulations consistent with SB 946. In accordance with Council direction at the April 18, 2023 meeting, staff presents a limited term pilot program ordinance regulating sidewalk vending on certain enumerated streets surrounding Levi's Stadium on event days.
BACKGROUND
During the past event season, the Police Department experienced a drastic increase in the number of unpermitted food and merchandise vendors within the immediate footprint of large-scale stadium events. This increase has caused several health and safety concerns which are outlined in this report.
As currently written, the City Code and regulations do not align with recently adopted State legislation related to sidewalk vending. Consequently, the City's ability to address these health and safety concerns is limited.
Council requested additional information on this topic, including policy options to amend regulations related to street vending. On April 18, 2023 the Police Department brought forth Report to...
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