California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946) preempts most local bans on sidewalk vending, allowing only objective health, safety, and welfare regulations.
California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, codified at Government Code sections 51036-51039, sharply limits how cities and counties can restrict sidewalk vendors. Local jurisdictions may not categorically ban sidewalk vending citywide; they may impose objective health, safety, and welfare regulations such as time, place, and manner restrictions. Stationary vendors may be prohibited in areas zoned exclusively residential, but roaming vendors must be allowed there. Perceived economic competition is not a valid basis for restrictions, and most permit caps are preempted. SB 972 (2022) further amended the Retail Food Code to ease vendor compliance with safety standards. Violations of the act can be enforced only as administrative citations, not criminal penalties.
Cities enforcing prohibited bans face injunctive relief and attorney fees. Vendor citations exceeding allowed amounts must be reduced. Criminal enforcement against vendors is preempted.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chico, CA
A building/zoning permit is generally required in Chico for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California Build...
Chico, CA
Chico is a Tree City with a strong tree-preservation ordinance; removing protected or heritage trees, including many on private property, requires a city tre...
Chico, CA
Chico does not ban artificial turf and the City permits it as part of drought-tolerant landscapes. State law (AB 1572, Cal. Water Code ยง10608.14, eff. 2027) ...
Chico, CA
Under CMC ยง19.68.050 and ยง19.68.070, at least 90% of plants in non-turf areas must be suited to Chico's climate and require minimal water once established. S...
Chico, CA
City of Chico parks โ including the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park โ restrict drone operations under CMC Title 12R; advance written permission is required. CARD-man...
Chico, CA
Commercial drone work in Chico requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city does not issue separate commercial UAS permits. Operations on city...
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