SIDEWALK VENDORS

THE ISSUE & enforcement
The ordinance.

On May 17, 2022, the City Council approved an Ordinance establishing regulations and requirements for sidewalk vending throughout the City. Except for coastal communities the ordinance became effective on June 22, 2022. As of February 1, 2023 the ordinance was approved for our coastal communities as well. Between Memorial and Labor Days “high-traffic” areas like boardwalks, beach-facing sidewalks and parks will be restricted between Memorial and Labor days.

proactive and complaint driven Enforcement will be done by Park Rangers

Park and Rec hired additional rangers specifically to enforce street vendors rules. SDPD will only be called on more non-compliant and combative issues, and only to keep the peace. SDPD will not be doing the day-to-day active enforcement.  On the City's Sidewalk Vending website are the rules of the ordinance, the vendor permit application process, and a map showing permitted and restricted areas. 

The City expects to have a specific Street Vendor selection on their mobile GET IT DONE application soon. In the interim, in the Report space, enter Sidewalk Vending (include photos here) -> Next, select "Other" -> Next, pinpoint the location on the map -> Next, review your report, -> Submit.

Or call City of San Diego Code Enforcement on 619-533-6487 or email AskParks@sandiego.gov.

Ordinance # SDMC §36.0101-6 regulates sidewalk vending:

To conduct business in the public right of way or on public property, a Sidewalk Vending Permit is required.

The ordinance sets parameters relating to distance requirements from various public assets and facilities, Prohibits vending in various high-traffic pedestrian areas and regulates parkland, including beaches and plazas, which are under the management of the Parks & Recreation Department.

Prohibits vending from a parked vehicle or to any individuals traveling within motor vehicles along a public roadway.

Differentiates between stationary sidewalk vendors, who vend from fixed locations, and roaming sidewalk vendors who move from place to place and stop to complete a transaction.

Establishes a Moratorium when vending is prohibited from Memorial to Labor days, in 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.