Long Beach is inviting residents to provide their input on the future of sidewalk vending in the City through a survey. The survey findings will help shape sidewalk vending regulations in Long Beach.
Anyone who lives, works, studies or visits Long Beach will have until Dec. 18 to complete the survey online. Surveys are available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog and may also be completed on paper at the Long Beach Public Library.
The Sidewalk Vending Survey delves into preferences regarding the frequency, location and type of vending seen in the city.
Through the development of a sidewalk vending ordinance, the City is attempting to balance support for the entrepreneurial and economic opportunities of sidewalk vending while addressing the needs and concerns of residents and local business owners.
The survey results will take data, expert opinion and community input into account and will be consistent with State regulations such as Senate Bill 946 (SB 946) and Senate Bill 972 (SB 97).
“We are committed to supporting sidewalk vendors and helping them integrate into the formal economy by engaging in thoughtful conversations with all stakeholders to help determine what sidewalk vending in Long Beach should look like,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement from the City.
Sidewalk vendors operate throughout the city selling food, merchandise and non-food services. SB 946 allows food and merchandise vendors to operate on public sidewalks and other pedestrian pathways, which limits how the City can regulate vendors. The current requirements sidewalk vendors in Long Beach must abide by are as follows:
- Vendors must not operate in the street.
- Vendors with food operations must have a City health permit.
- Vendors providing non-food services and merchandise must have a special event vendor permit or business license and are typically not allowed on public property without special permission.
- Vendors must comply with applicable local, State and federal law, including the California Retail Food Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
- For vendors participating in a special event, visit longbeach.gov/special-events-filming/ for more information on requirements.
In accordance with the city council resolution adopted in May 2022, Long Beach takes an education-first approach as it continues to develop regulations. This involves education and warnings on the first two violations with vendors not following City codes before punitive actions on the third encounter.
As it stands, sidewalk food vendors who continue to operate without a valid health permit will have their equipment confiscated and food discarded, with immediate action being taken if there is an imminent health hazard.
The recommendation for a City ordinance in support of sidewalk vending was brought to council in March 2022 by first district Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and was approved by the council with an eight-to-one vote.
“District One has a rich history of sidewalk vendors selling through the residential areas providing options for residents,” Zendejas said in a statement from the City. “We have an opportunity to connect with residents, business owners and sidewalk vendors and work together to create a sidewalk vending ordinance that supports the specific needs of Long Beach.”
Community members are encouraged to complete an interest form to stay updated on upcoming announcements regarding sidewalk vendor policies and regulations.
Those interested can visit longbeach.gov/sidewalkvending for more information regarding the survey and call (562) 570-6211 or email lbbiz@longbeach.gov with the subject line “Sidewalk Vending,” with any additional questions. Information on the survey findings and future community engagement opportunities will be available in early 2023.