Hayward City Council to consider Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance

The Hayward City Council will consider on Tuesday the adoption of new regulations and guidelines for sidewalk vending in the City including the establishment of a new permitting program for sidewalk vendors.

The proposals are intended to bring Hayward into alignment with 2019 state legislation that decriminalized sidewalk vending in California and provide a pathway for sidewalk vendors to operate lawfully in the City and in a manner that is both compatible with local businesses and protects public health.

Under the proposed changes, sidewalk vendors would be required to apply for and obtain a Hayward Sidewalk Vending Permit prior to any vending on sidewalks.  Vendors who propose to sell food would also be required to first obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.

As part of the process, sidewalk vendors would be required to provide basic contact information such as their name, mailing address and phone number, describe the food or merchandise to be sold, and indicate if they intend to be stationary or roaming and if they will be operating as an agent of another individual, company, partnership or corporation.

The fine for illegally operating without a sidewalk vending permit would range from $250 for a first offense to up to $1,000 for each additional violation.  Repeat violations of other regulations would be punishable by fines ranging from $100 to $500 per incident. 

For more information—including a copy of the proposed Sidewalk Vendor Program ordinance—go online here to the City’s website.