COMPTON (2UG) – The city of Compton continues to be out of compliance when it comes to regulating street vending in accordance with state law.
Street vending is more than regulating street cooks but also the sale of any goods on the public right of way including Easter baskets, clothes and services.
During a recent Compton city council meeting District 3 Councilman Jonathan Bowers brought up complaints about “illegal vendors” and asked how it can be addressed.
In a now-deleted social media post, a Compton resident was outraged about street vendors operating in the city.
It would be addressed by the city establishing a street vending ordinance that complies with two state laws.
Senate Bill 946, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2019, decriminalized street vending and prohibited local authorities from enforcing laws regulating sidewalk vendors that is inconsistent with state law.
Most recently, Senate Bill 972 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, which creates a path for which “compact food operations can be permitted by various Health Departments”.
In Inglewood, the city has scheduled a public hearing June 6 to carve out an ordinance that seeks to establish guidelines that will restrict the overall number of vendors allowed to operate in the City.
Authorized vendors would then be required to obtain consent/approval of “any non-governmental agency or individual” before selling any goods and/or services.
The ordinance will also require street vendors to operate within “specific parts of the public right-of-way” and only in “designated areas or neighborhoods” except if directly related to objective health, safety or welfare concerns.
According to Senate Bill 946 “perceived community animus or economic competition” are not valid objective health, safety or welfare concerns to justify the imposition of time, place or manner of restrictions.
State law also precludes cities from prohibiting street vendors in public parks.
“Cities may prohibit street vendors within the immediate vicinity of permitted certified Farmers Markets, filming permit, parades, or an outdoor concert, during the event operating hours”.
Los Angeles currently allows street vending and charges upwards of $500 annually for a street vending permit.
To review what the city of Inglewood is doing to be in compliance with state law, click here.
