California Senate Bill 946 (Lara, Chapter 459, Statutes of 2018) generally requires all cities (and counties in areas where there is no city) to allow public sidewalks and public pedestrian paths of travel to be used for the sale of food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized conveyance, or from one’s person. Those commercial activities are collectively referred to as “sidewalk vending” and include both stationary and roaming sales.
Under Senate Bill 946, cities and counties are generally limited in their ability to regulate sidewalk vendors, except when directly related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns. Perceived community animus and economic competition are not permissible objective health, safety, or welfare concerns. Senate Bill 946 also limits the fines and penalties that can be levied for violations of local regulations.
Pursuant to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 2 of the California Constitution, the City of Laguna Woods is unable to deny or revoke permit applications on the basis of a sidewalk vendor’s sale or exchange of merchandise with content that persons may find objectionable or profane. The City of Laguna Woods’ issuance of a sidewalk vending permit does not constitute an endorsement, implied or otherwise, of any aspect of a sidewalk vendor’s operations or merchandise.
Sidewalk vendors are permitted to operate from public sidewalks and public pedestrian paths of travel within Laguna Woods subject to compliance with City Ordinance No. 24-02 and applicable state law.
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Required Application Documents
