01 Staff Report. Sidewalk Vending Study Session with attachments
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Community Development Director, Chief of
Police, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 08/20/2024 ITEM NO: 1
DATE: August 15, 2024
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Gabrielle Whelan, Town Attorney
SUBJECT: Study Session Regarding Potential Update to Sidewalk Vending Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss Senate Bill 946, which imposes state requirements on local regulation of sidewalk
vendors, and provide direction regarding a sidewalk vending ordinance update.
BACKGROUND:
Senate Bill 946, which became effective in 2019, prohibits local agencies from regulating
sidewalk vendors except in accordance with Government Code Sections 51038 and 51039.
Senate Bill 946 defines a “sidewalk vendor” as “a person who sells food or merchandise from a
pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized
conveyance, or from one’s person upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path.”
The Town currently regulates peddlers and solicitors in Town Code Sections 14.40.010 and
following (Attachment 1). The Town currently regulates pushcart vendors in Town Code
Sections 14.70.010 and following (Attachment 2). These provisions were enacted in 1968 and
staff recommends that they be updated.
DISCUSSION:
In order to align the Town Code with the requirements of Senate Bill 946, staff recommends:
1) Revising the existing peddler and solicitor ordinance to provide that it only applies to
roving vendors and not stationary vendors.
2) Replacing the pushcart ordinance with a new sidewalk vending ordinance that is specific
to stationary vendors; and
3) Repealing the existing pushcart vending ordinance since the new sidewalk vending
ordinance would cover pushcarts.
PAGE 2 OF 3 SUBJECT: Update to Sidewalk Vending Ordinance DATE: August 13, 2024 DISCUSSION (continued):
Senate Bill 946 authorizes local ordinances to do the following:
1) Adopt requirements regulating the time, place, and manner of sidewalk vending if the
requirements are directly related to objective health, safety, and welfare standards.
2) Prohibit stationary sidewalk vendors from operating in areas that are zoned as
exclusively residential.
3) Adopt reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions inside public parks if the
restrictions are directly related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns, when
necessary to ensure the public’s use and enjoyment of the park, or as necessary to
prevent an undue concentration of commercial activity that unduly interferes with the
character of the park.
4) Limit the hours of operation for sidewalk vendors so long as those hours are not unduly
restrictive. In nonresidential areas, any limitations on the hours of operation cannot be
more restrictive than any limitations on hours of operation imposed on other businesses
or uses on the same street.
5) Impose requirements to maintain sanitary conditions.
6) Impose requirements necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and
other disability access standards.
7) Require the sidewalk vendor to obtain a sidewalk vending permit.
8) Require the sidewalk vendor to possess a valid California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration Seller’s Permit.
9) Require additional licenses from other state or local agencies to the extent required by
law.
10) Require sidewalk vendors to submit information regarding their operations, including a
mailing address, a description of merchandise, a California seller’s permit number, and
other information.
11) Prohibit sidewalk vendors from operating near certified farmers’ markets, swap meets,
and other events subject to a temporary special permit.
Senate Bill 946 prohibits local jurisdictions from imposing the following regulations:
1) Require a sidewalk vendor to operate only within specific parts of the public right of
way, unless the restriction is directly related to objective health, safety, and welfare
concerns.
2) Prohibit sidewalk vendors from operating in a public park, unless the Town has an
agreement with a third party for exclusive concessions in the park.
3) Restrict sidewalk vendors to specific neighborhoods, unless the restriction is directly
related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns.
PAGE 3 OF 3 SUBJECT: Update to Sidewalk Vending Ordinance DATE: August 13, 2024 CONCLUSION:
In order to draft a proposed ordinance for future consideration, staff seeks input from the
Town Council on the following questions:
1) Does the Town Council recommend prohibiting sidewalk vending in areas that are zoned
exclusively residential?
2) Would the Town like to require that all vendors obtain a sidewalk vending permit?
3) Aside from making sure that sidewalks remain reasonably passable and making sure
food vendors have County health permits, are there other health, safety, or welfare-
related concerns? (Aesthetic concerns such as the amount of signage count as a
welfare-related concern.)
4) Are there specific hours of operation that the Town would like vendors to abide by?
FISCAL IMPACT:
Neither this study session or a future ordinance update are anticipated to have a financial
impact, because sidewalk vendors are already required to pay business license taxes.
CEQA:
This study session is to provide direction to staff and is not a project subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated with the Town Manager’s Office and the Community Development
Department.
Attachments:
1. Existing peddler’s code section
2. Existing pushcart code section
- CODE
Chapter 14 - LICENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS
ARTICLE IV. PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS
Los Gatos, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2024-03-29 13:44:07 [EST]
(Supp. No. 94)
Page 1 of 4
ARTICLE IV. PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 14.40.010. Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively
ascribed to them by this section:
Peddler. Any person, including salesperson and vendor, who goes from house to house, place to place or to
any one (1) house or to any one (1) place, or in or along the streets, within the Town, selling and making
immediate delivery or offering for sale and immediate delivery any goods, wares, merchandise, services or
anything of value in the possession of the peddler, to persons other than manufacturers, wholesalers, jobbers or
retailers in such commodities or services.
Solicitor. Any person, including salesperson and vendor, who engages in the business of going from house to
house, place to place or to any one (1) house or to any one (1) place, or in or along the streets, within the Town,
selling or taking orders for, or offering to sell or take orders for, goods, wares, merchandise, services or other
things of value, for future delivery or for services to be performed in the future, to persons other than
manufacturers, wholesalers, jobbers or retailers in such commodities or services.
(Code 1968, § 19-1)
Cross reference(s)—Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1.10.015.
Sec. 14.40.015. Nonapplicability.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to the following:
(1) Any person peddling or soliciting orders for dairy, bakery, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish or poultry
products, or other products intended for human consumption, except ice cream, candy, hot dogs,
hamburgers, soft drinks and the like intended for immediate human consumption.
(2) Any person peddling or soliciting subscriptions for newspapers or religious publications.
(3) Any person peddling or soliciting on behalf of a religious, charitable or educational organization.
(4) Any person soliciting for personal services to be performed by the person so soliciting.
(5) Any other person who files with the Town Clerk an affidavit setting forth the name and address of the
affiant and which clearly establishes exemption from the provisions of this article by virtue of the
Constitution or Statutes of the United States or of the State.
(Code 1968, § 19-2)
Sec. 14.40.020. Hours during which peddling and soliciting permitted.
Any identification permit issued under the provisions of this article shall be valid only between the hours of
9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. of any day.
(Code 1968, § 19-12) ATTACHMENT 1
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Sec. 14.40.025. Posted premises.
No person shall solicit or attempt to solicit at any residential premises where the occupant has posted a sign
clearly and obviously visible from an access way used by the solicitor which states, in letters at least three-fourths
of an inch in height on a contrasting background, "No Soliciting," "Soliciting Prohibited," "No Soliciting Allowed" or
"No Solicitors Allowed." Nor shall any person peddle or attempt to peddle at such premises where the occupant
has posted in such a manner a sign which states in substance the same prohibition with reference to peddlers.
(Code 1968, § 19-13)
Secs. 14.40.030—14.40.100. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. IDENTIFICATION PERMIT
Sec. 14.40.105. Required.
(a) No person shall act as a peddler or solicitor within the Town without an identification permit, as provided in
this article.
(b) Such identification permit shall be in addition to any business license required by the Town for the conduct
of the business or occupation of a solicitor or peddler, pursuant to this chapter.
(Code 1968, § 19-3)
Sec. 14.40.110. Application.
An applicant for a permit under this division shall furnish the Chief of Police with the following information
and material.
(1) The name and description of the applicant.
(2) The address of the applicant, legal and local (if any).
(3) A brief description of the nature of the business, and the goods, wares, merchandise and services to be
sold or furnished.
(4) If employed, the name and address of the employer, together with credentials establishing the exact
relationship.
(5) The length of time the applicant wishes to do business within the Town.
(6) If a vehicle is to be used, a description of the same, together with license number or other means of
identification.
(7) A recent photograph of the applicant, which picture shall show the head and shoulders of the applicant
in a clear and distinguishing manner.
(8) Fingerprints of the applicant to be taken by the Chief of Police, or a member of the Police Department
of the Town, at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
(9) A statement as to whether or not the applicant has been convicted of a crime, felony or misdemeanor,
the nature of the offense and the punishment or penalty assessed therefor.
(Code 1968, § 19-4)
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Sec. 14.40.115. Investigation.
The permit required by this division shall only be issued by the Chief of Police after an investigation is made
by the Chief of Police.
(Code 1968, § 19-5)
Sec. 14.40.120. Prerequisite to issuance of business license.
The information required for an application under this division shall be furnished to the Chief of Police in
conjunction with the application for a business license for the occupation of a solicitor or peddler, and an
investigation by the Chief of Police and the issuance of an identification permit shall be necessary conditions
precedent to the granting of such business license. After the investigation is made and the identification permit
issued, a business license for the occupation of a solicitor or peddler shall be issued upon the payment of the
license fee, if any is required, in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(Code 1968, § 19-6)
Sec. 14.40.125. Issuance; expiration.
The Chief of Police, upon being advised of the application of an applicant for a business license for the
business or occupation of a solicitor or peddler in the Town, and upon being furnished with the information and
records required by this division, shall investigate the applicant. If, as a result of such investigation, the character
and business responsibility of the applicant are found to be satisfactory, the Chief of Police shall issue an
identification permit in favor of the applicant for the carrying on of the business or occupation of a solicitor or
peddler in the Town.
(Code 1968, § 19-7)
Sec. 14.40.130. Denial; appeal to Town Council.
(a) If, as a result of the investigation pursuant to an application under this division, the applicant's character or
business responsibility is found to be unsatisfactory, the Chief of Police shall make the findings and reasons
for disapproval and transmit the same to the Tax and License Collector, who shall notify the applicant that
the application is disapproved and that no permit or license will be issued.
(b) Upon the disapproval of the application, as a result of the findings of the Chief of Police, any person
aggrieved by the action of the Chief of Police, and the denial of the application for a permit or a license, shall
have the right of appeal to the Town Council. Such appeal shall be taken by filing with the Town Clerk, within
ten (10) days after notice of the action complained of has been mailed to the applicant's last known address,
or to the applicant's address as appearing on the application, a written statement setting forth fully the
grounds of appeal. The Town Clerk shall set a time and place for a hearing of such appeal and notice shall be
given to the appellant by mail, postage prepaid, to the address, as aforesaid, at least five (5) days prior to the
date set for a hearing. The disposition and order of the Town Council shall be final and conclusive.
(Code 1968, § 19-8; Ord. No. 2030, § I, 7-21-97)
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Sec. 14.40.135. Display.
The identification permit issued under the provisions of this division shall be worn in a prominent place on
the outer clothing, clearly legible to all persons with whom the permittee deals, at all times when the permittee is
soliciting or peddling.
(Code 1968, § 19-10)
Sec. 14.40.140. Transferability.
No identification permit issued under the provisions of this division shall be transferable, and the same, as
issued, shall be personal to the person to whom issued.
(Code 1968, § 19-9)
Sec. 14.40.145. Revocation.
(a) Identification permits issued under the provisions of this division may be revoked by the Chief of Police for
any of the following reasons:
(1) Misrepresentation or false statements contained in the application for the identification permit.
(2) Misrepresentation or false statement made in the course of carrying on the business of peddling or
soliciting.
(3) Conviction of any crime or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
(4) Conducting the business of peddling or soliciting in an unlawful manner, or in such a manner as to
constitute a breach of the peace and to constitute a menace to the health, safety or morals or general
welfare of the public.
(5) Any violation of this chapter, or of the business license provisions of this Code or any other ordinances
of the Town.
(b) Upon revocation of any identification permit issued under the provisions of this division, the Chief of Police
shall make the findings and reasons for revocation and transmit them to the permittee, whose license has been revoked, and a copy thereof to the Tax and License Collector. Revocation of an identification permit
automatically revokes the business license to which the identification permit applies. The permittee whose
permit has been revoked shall have the right of appeal to the Town Council in the same manner and in
conformity with the same procedures as set forth in section 14.40.130.
(Code 1968, § 19-11; Ord. No. 2030, § II, 7-21-97)
Sec. 14.40.150. Expiration.
Each permit issued under the provisions of this division shall be valid for a period of ninety (90) days and
subject to revocation as provided in this division.
(Code 1968, § 19-7)
- CODE
Chapter 14 - LICENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS
ARTICLE VII. PUSHCARTS
Los Gatos, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2024-03-29 13:44:07 [EST]
(Supp. No. 94)
Page 1 of 5
ARTICLE VII. PUSHCARTS1
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 14.70.010. Purpose.
The Council finds and declares as follows:
(1) The operation of pushcarts on public streets in the Town serves the general welfare, if such operation
is properly regulated by offering color, variety and convenience in shopping.
(2) Without proper regulation, the operation of pushcarts causes problems of traffic, safety, health,
unsightliness, and unfair competition.
(3) It is therefore necessary to regulate pushcarts in such a manner as to obtain their benefits for the Town
while at the same time minimizing problems.
(Code 1968, § 19A.00.010)
Sec. 14.70.015. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them
in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Approved location. A site approved for location of a pushcart pursuant to this article.
Food preparation. The cooking or processing of food. It does not include assembling precooked or prepared
foods or adding condiments.
Permittee. Any person holding a valid approved location permit under this article. For purposes of this article,
the act or omission of an agent or employee of any permittee is for all civil purposes the act or omission of the
permittee.
Public way. All that area dedicated to public use, and shall include, but not be limited to, roadways, parkway
strips, alleys, and sidewalks.
Pushcart. Any nonmotorized vehicle, truck, trailer, cart, wagon, dray, conveyance or structure on wheels not
firmly fixed to a permanent foundation which is utilized in connection with peddling. A pushcart from which food is
served shall meet the definition of a vehicle for purposes of Health and Safety Code chapter 11, article 4.
(Code 1968, §§ 19A.05.010—19A.05.050)
Cross reference(s)—Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1.10.015.
1Cross reference(s)—Vehicles for hire, Ch. 28.
ATTACHMENT 2
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Sec. 14.70.020. Noise.
No permittee shall use, play or employ any sound, outcry, amplifier, loudspeaker, radio or any other
instrument or device for the production of sound in connection with the promotion of a pushcart.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.020)
Sec. 14.70.025. No sales to persons in vehicles.
No permittee shall sell any merchandise to any person who is in a motor vehicle at the time of sale.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.030)
Sec. 14.70.030. Food preparation on street prohibited.
Only ready-to-eat food is permitted. Food preparation on the street is prohibited.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.040)
Cross reference(s)—Food and food establishments generally, Ch. 10.
Sec. 14.70.035. Compliance with other laws.
Every permittee shall at all times have a valid business license and peddler's license. If food is being sold, a
permit is also required from the County Health Department. Every permittee shall also comply with sections 28640
et seq. of the California Health and Safety Code.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.050)
Sec. 14.70.040. License for sanitary facilities.
Every permittee shall be required to have a written license agreement giving the permittee and the
permittee's agents the right to use permanent sanitary facilities located no more than five hundred (500) feet from
the approved location.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.060)
Cross reference(s)—Health and sanitation generally, Ch. 13; sewers and sewage disposal, Ch. 22.
Sec. 14.70.045. Transfer prohibited.
Permits issued under this article shall not be sold, assigned or transferred, and shall cover only the permittee
to whom they are issued.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.070)
Sec. 14.70.050. Equipment other than pushcarts prohibited.
No permittee shall employ or have any movable or permanent stands, tables, chairs or devices other than
the permitted pushcart and one (1) chair for the permittee situated at any approved location.
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(Code 1968, § 19A.15.080)
Sec. 14.70.055. Indemnity agreement.
As a condition to receiving the permit, every permittee shall execute an agreement holding the Town and its
employees and agents harmless from any liability arising from the use of the permit.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.090)
Sec. 14.70.060. Insurance.
Every permittee, at the permittee's sole cost and expense, and during the entire term of the permit or any
renewal thereof, shall obtain and maintain all insurance required by the Town as set forth by resolution.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.100)
Secs. 14.70.065—14.70.125. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. PERMITS
Sec. 14.70.130. Approved location—Required.
No person shall operate a pushcart on a public way within the Town without an approved location permit as
provided in this division. Such permit shall be in addition to any business license required by the Town and the
identification permit required by article IV of this chapter.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.010)
Sec. 14.70.135. Same—Application process.
An application for an approved location permit shall be made to the Planning Director, and shall contain the
information requested by the Planning Director, as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this article.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.020)
Sec. 14.70.140. Same—Notice of filing of application.
Within fifteen (15) days after an application has been filed, the Planning Director shall publish a notice of
such filing pursuant to Government Code section 6061, and also post a copy of such notice in at least two (2)
conspicuous places close to the proposed location.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.040)
Sec. 14.70.145. Same—Consideration in review of applications.
Applications shall be reviewed in the light of all the facts relevant to the purposes of this article, including but
not limited to the following:
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(1) Compliance with the specific requirements of this article.
(2) The goals of the general plan and any applicable specific plans.
(3) Automobile and pedestrian safety, and minimum interference with parking.
(4) Avoidance of unfair competition with merchants in fixed locations.
(5) Diversity of product.
(6) Aesthetics.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.030)
Sec. 14.70.150. Same—Holding period for competing applications.
In order that the limited number of appropriate pushcart locations may be used by those pushcarts most
compatible with the goals of this article, it is the intent of this article to promote competition for approved
locations. No application shall therefore be deemed complete under Government Code section 65943 until at least
thirty (30) days after the publication of notice called for in section 14.70.140. If other applications are filed for the
same location within thirty (30) days of such publication, no further notice need be given. No competing
application for a given location will be accepted more than thirty (30) days after the publication of notice
hereunder.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.050)
Sec. 14.70.155. Same—Competing applications.
If more than one (1) application is filed for the same location, the Planning Director shall, if any pushcart is to
be allowed in such location, approve the application which the Planning Director determines to be most
compatible with the goals and criteria of this article. If applications are deemed to be equally compatible, selection
shall be made by lottery.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.060)
Sec. 14.70.160. Same—Issuance for certain areas prohibited.
No permit shall be issued under this division for a location within the following areas:
(1) On private property. Outdoor display of merchandise on private property is governed by chapter 29 of
this Code.
(2) Immediately adjacent to residentially zoned property.
(3) Within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a business selling food for on-site consumption, in the case of a
pushcart selling food; or within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a business selling a similar commodity in
the case of a pushcart selling commodities other than food.
(4) Within one hundred fifty (150) feet of another approved location.
(5) Within five hundred (500) feet of an elementary or junior high school.
(6) In any Town park outside the central business district as defined in the downtown specific plan.
(Code 1968, § 19A.15.010)
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Sec. 14.70.165. Same—Appeal.
Any interested party may appeal any decision of the Planning Director with reference to approved location
permits to the Planning Commissioner by filing a written appeal within ten (10) days after the mailing of notice of
the Planning Director's decision to the last known address of the permittee, and upon payment of the fee specified
by Council resolution. In considering the appeal, the Planning Commissioner may affirm, revoke, or modify the
Planning Director's decision in whole or in part, and consider any other matters it deems pertinent.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.090)
Sec. 14.70.170. Same—Revocation.
An approved location permit may be revoked at any time upon a written determination by the Planning
Director that the permit is being utilized in a manner contrary to law, the goals of this article, or the general
welfare of the Town. Prior to such revocation, the Planning Director shall give the permittee written notice by first
class mail of intention to revoke, and shall hold an informal hearing allowing the permittee to present arguments
against revocation.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.080)
Sec. 14.70.175. Same—Duration.
An approved location permit shall be issued for one (1) year. New applications for a specific location shall not
be accepted until ninety (90) days prior to expiration of an existing permit for that location.
(Code 1968, § 19A.10.070)
Sec. 14.70.180. Temporary permits for special events.
The Town Council may, as part of its approval of any special event, authorize the issuance of a specified
number of temporary pushcart permits, not to exceed five (5), for a specified number of days in connection
therewith. In such case, applications for temporary permits shall be submitted to the Town Manager, with the
written endorsement of the agency sponsoring the special event, and the department shall approve the temporary
permit for a specific location if it finds that issuance of the permit will promote the purpose of this article. There
shall be no appeal from the denial of an application for a temporary permit.
(Code 1968, § 19A.20.010)