Stockton's 2025 sidewalk-vending ordinance update (amending Titles 5, 8, and 12 and repealing former Ch. 12.76) sets vending-zone rules: a $60 public-property use fee applies to vending in parks or adjacent sidewalks; vendors must keep a 5-ft pedestrian clearance, cap equipment at 5 ft x 7 ft, may not operate near schools or major venues during certain hours, and may not vend tobacco, alcohol, or adult-oriented materials.
On June 6, 2025 the Stockton City Council advanced amendments to SMC Titles 5 (Business Licenses), 8 (Health and Safety), and 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) and repealed Chapter 12.76 to bring city vending rules into compliance with California SB 946 (Safe Sidewalk Vending Act) and SB 972 (Compact Mobile Food Operations). The updated framework charges vendors a $60 public-property use fee when operating in city parks or adjacent sidewalks; requires that vending equipment be no larger than 5 ft x 7 ft; mandates a continuous 5-ft pedestrian clearance on sidewalks; prohibits operating near schools or major venues during certain posted hours (school dismissal periods, event arrival/departure windows); bans transactions with occupants of moving vehicles; bans vending of tobacco, alcohol, and adult-oriented materials; forbids generators, water hookups, and open flames at sidewalk locations; and requires vendors to keep a 25-foot radius clear of litter. Vendors selling food must display proof of state and county health (Mobile Food Facility / Compact Mobile Food Operation) compliance and a Stockton business license. SB 946 limits cities to objective time/place/manner rules — outright bans of sidewalk vending are prohibited statewide.
Tiered administrative fines under the 2025 ordinance: $100 for a first violation, $250 for a second within a calendar year, $500 for a third, and up to $1,000 for repeated offenses within a calendar year. Per Cal. Govt. Code §51039 (added by SB 946), violations may not be criminal offenses — they are infractions or administrative violations only. Equipment may be impounded for health-code violations under Cal. H&S Code §114395.
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