HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-1502 Sidewalk VendorsORDINANCE NO. 2025-1502
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING TITLE 5, CHAPTER 5.31 OF THE
LAKE ELSINORE MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE CODE
ENFORCEMENT REGARDING SIDEWALK VENDING
Whereas, the City of Lake Elsinore (City) is authorized by California Constitution, Article
XI, Section 7, to make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances
and regulations not in conflict with general laws;
Whereas, Government Code Sections 36901, 38771, and 38773.1, among others,
authorize the City to enact an ordinance declaring what constitutes a public nuisance, procedures
for abating nuisance conditions, recovery of all related costs and attorney fees to abate the
nuisance, and the collection of civil penalties;
Whereas, violations of the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code (LEMC) and other violations of
law threaten the health, safety, and welfare of the public, burden City resources and diminish the
quality of life in the City, and thus constitute nuisances;
Whereas, Government Code Sections 51036 through 51039, among others, decriminalize
sidewalk vending and limit cities’ and counties' ability to regulate sidewalk vendors to
requirements in state law and other applicable laws, or otherwise directly related to objective
health, safety, or welfare concerns;
Whereas, sidewalk vending regulations are necessary to protect the public health, safety,
and welfare;
Whereas, the City has identified a need to address objective health, safety, and welfare
concerns and regulations in parks, to ensure the public’s use and enjoyment of natural resources
and recreational opportunities, and to prevent an undue concentration of commercial activity that
would unreasonably interfere with the scenic and natural character of these parks and public
recreation areas;
Whereas, the City has observed a need for impounding procedures and increased
enforcement measures to address vendors who disregard the sidewalk vending regulations and
operate in a manner that disrupts public safety, obstructs sidewalk access, or creates unsanitary
conditions;
Whereas, including a process for impound of vendor equipment in certain specified
circumstances and including disposal of such equipment for repeated violations and recalcitrant
offenders in order to provide enforcement tools provides an enforcement tool to address vendors
who refuse to comply with the sidewalk vending regulations to the detriment of public health,
safety, and welfare;
Whereas, the City recognizes the need to promote the public health, safety and welfare,
regulating sidewalk vending is necessary to ensure no unreasonable interference with the flow of
pedestrian or vehicular traffic including ingress into, or egress from, any residence, public building,
place of business, park, areas located within the immediate vicinity of a permitted certified farmers'
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market and a permitted swap meet, an area designated by a temporary special permit issued by
the City, street to the sidewalk, and by persons exiting or entering parked or standing vehicles;
Whereas, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other disability
access standards, sidewalk vending may not restrict sidewalk and pathway access and enjoyment
by individuals with disabilities;
Whereas, it is, therefore, appropriate and necessary to address those who disregard the
sidewalk vending regulations and operate in a manner that disrupts the public health, safety, and
welfare of the community, and other, legally operating vendors; and,
Whereas, on May 13, 2025, the City Council considered the recommendation of the
Community Development Department, as well as evidence presented by the Community
Development Department and other interested parties with respect to this item.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated into
these findings by this reference.
Section 2: The City Council has reviewed and analyzed the proposed amendment to the
LEMC and finds and determines that the ordinance will not be detrimental to the public interest,
health, safety, convenience, or general welfare of the city; and that it is internally consistent with
other applicable provisions of the LEMC.
Section 3: The City Council hereby finds and determines that the proposed amendment
to the LEMC is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Publ. Res. Code
§§21000 et seq. “CEQA”) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14. Cal. Code Regs §§15000 et seq.),
specifically pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), and 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA
Guidelines because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change
in the environment, because there is no possibility that it may have a significant effect on the
environment, and because it is not a “project” as that term is defined in Section 15378 of the State
CEQA Guidelines.
Section 4: Chapter 5.31 of the LEMC is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
Chapter 5.31
SIDEWALK VENDORS
Sections:
5.31.010 Purpose.
5.31.020 Definitions.
5.31.030 Sidewalk vendor license required.
5.31.040 Issuance of a sidewalk vendor license.
5.31.050 Operating conditions.
5.31.060 Prohibited activities and locations.
5.31.070 Enforcement.
5.31.080 Impoundment.
5.31.010 Purpose.
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(a) The purpose and intent of this chapter is to regulate sidewalk vendors on publicly owned or
operated property in accordance with State law in order to promote and protect the health, safety,
and general welfare of the residents and businesses within the City and in and in compliance with
other requirements imposed upon the City, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and other
accessibility laws.. The City is authorized to regulate and enforce this activity pursuant to
Government Code Sections 51036 through 51039, California Constitution Article 11, Section 7,
Government Code sections 38771, and other provisions of law.
(b) The City Council finds and declares that these regulations are directly related to objective
health, safety, and welfare concerns created by competing uses of sidewalks by residents,
visitors, and sidewalk vendors. The City Council further finds and declares that regulations on
sidewalk vending in City parks and other public recreation areas are necessary to ensure the
public’s use and enjoyment of natural resources and recreational opportunities and are necessary
to prevent an undue concentration of commercial activity that unreasonably interferes with the
scenic and natural character of the parks and other recreation areas.
5.31.020 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise:
“Alcohol” means ethyl alcohol, hydrated oxide of ethyl, or spirits of wine, from whatever source or
by whatever process produced pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 23003.
“Alcoholic beverage” includes alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer, and every liquid or solid
containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer, and which contains 0.5% or more of alcohol by volume
and which is fit for beverage purposes either alone or when diluted, mixed, or combined with other
substances pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 23004.
“City Manager” means the City Manager of the City of Lake Elsinore or their designee.
Enforcement Officer” means any peace officer, city code enforcement officer, city employee, or
agent with the authority to enforce any provision of this code, or designee of the City Manager.
“Farmers' Market” means a location operated in accordance with Chapter 10.5 (commencing with
Section 47000) of Division 17 of the Food and Agricultural Code and any regulations adopted
pursuant to that chapter, or any successor chapter, and which is operating in compliance with all
City approvals and requirements.
“Food” means any item provided in Health and Safety Code Section 113781, or any successor
section.
“Impound” means to seize or take custody of vending equipment, carts, goods, food or
merchandise because of an infringement of a law.
“Merchandise” means any item(s) that can be sold and immediately obtained from a sidewalk
vendor, which is not considered food or drinks, including but not limited to, souvenirs, toys, articles
of clothing, flowers, etc. Items for rent shall not be considered “merchandise”.
“Park” means any area dedicated or established as a public park.
“Pathway” means a paved or improved path or walkway developed primarily for pedestrian travel,
or bicycles, other than a sidewalk. “Pathway” does not include emergency shoulders abutting
paved roadways and highways throughout the city. Such emergency shoulders are designated
for vehicles to pull over in the event of an emergency only.
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“Person” means all domestic and foreign corporations, associations, syndicates, joint stock
corporations, partnerships of every kind, clubs, business or common law trusts, societies, and
individuals transacting and carrying on any business in the city.
“Public property” means all property owned or controlled by the city, including, but not limited to,
alleys, parks, pathways, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and walking or biking trails.
“Residential” means any area zoned exclusively as residential in Title 9 of this code.
“Roaming sidewalk vendor” means a sidewalk vendor who moves from place to place and stops
temporarily only to complete a transaction.
“Sidewalk” means any paved or improved portion of a street or highway, other than the roadway,
set apart by curbs, barriers, markings, or other delineation developed primarily for pedestrian
travel. “Sidewalk” does not include emergency shoulders abutting paved roadways and highways
throughout the city. Such emergency shoulders are designated for vehicles to pull over in the
event of an emergency only.
“Sidewalk vending receptacle” means a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon,
showcase, rack, or non-motorized conveyance used for sidewalk vending activities.
“Sidewalk vendor” or “vendor” means a person who sells food or merchandise from a sidewalk
vending receptacle or from one's person, upon a public sidewalk or pathway.
“Sidewalk vendor activities” or “sidewalk vending activity” means actions that qualify a person as
a sidewalk vendor or actions done in anticipation of becoming a sidewalk vendor, such as, but
not limited to, installation, placement, or maintenance of any sidewalk vendor receptacles.
“Sidewalk vendor license” means a City business license to engage in sidewalk vending activity
in accordance with the terms and conditions of this chapter, this code, and the conditions of
approval for the business license.
“Special Event” means any temporary permitted event approved by the city.
“Stationary sidewalk vendor” means a sidewalk vendor who vends from a fixed location on a
public sidewalk.
“Street” means a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the
public for purposes of vehicular travel.
“Swap meet” means a location operated in accordance with Article 6 (commencing with Section
21660) of Chapter 9 of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, and any regulations
adopted pursuant to that chapter, or any successor chapter, and which is operating in compliance
with all City approvals and requirements.
“Vending” means the offering or displaying for sale or selling of any food, merchandise, goods, or
wares.
“Vending equipment” means any conveyance, table, stand, display, showcase, rack, or any other
free-standing equipment used for vending on the sidewalk, including any gas-fueled appliances
used to heat, cook, or prepare food or beverages on a conveyance by a sidewalk vendor.
5.31.030 Sidewalk vendor license required.
A. All sidewalk vendors shall obtain and maintain a sidewalk vendor license from the City in
accordance with the criteria and process set forth in this chapter and this code. Sidewalk
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vendor licenses issued pursuant to this chapter shall be valid from the date of issuance for a
period of one year, or a shorter period as specified at the time of application, unless the
sidewalk vendor license has been terminated, suspended, or revoked for any of the causes
set forth in this chapter.
B. No person shall own, control, operate, manage, lease, or contract with any other person for
the operation of a cart in the city without a valid sidewalk vendor license. It is unlawful for any
person to operate a cart in the city without having a current and valid sidewalk vendor license
obtained from the city. A copy of the sidewalk vendor license shall be displayed in conspicuous
view on each cart at all times business is conducted.
C. All applicants wishing to obtain a sidewalk vendor license from the City shall file an application
with the City upon a form provided by the City and shall pay a sidewalk vendor license fee as
established by the City. An application for a sidewalk vendor license shall include at least the
following information:
1. The name, address, and telephone number of the person applying to become a sidewalk
vendor.
2. If the applicant is an agent of an individual, company, partnership, or corporation, the
name and business address of the principal.
3. The name, address, and telephone number of the person who will be in charge of any
roaming sidewalk vendors, sidewalk vending activity, and/or be responsible for the
person(s) working at the sidewalk vending receptacle.
4. The name, address, and telephone number of all persons who will be employed as
roaming sidewalk vendors or at a sidewalk vending receptacle.
5. The California seller’s permit number (California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration sales tax number), if any, of the applicant.
6. A recent photograph of the applicant and photograph of any pushcart, stand, display,
pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized conveyance used in
such sidewalk vending activity taken within 60 days immediately prior to the date of filing
the application; photograph of applicant shall be two inches by two inches, showing the
head and shoulders of the applicant in a clear and distinguishing manner.
7. A copy of the applicant’s government issued photo identification, California driver’s license
or identification number, social security card, individual taxpayer identification number, or
municipal identification number, which shall not be available to the public and shall not be
disclosed except as required to administer the license or comply with a state law or state
or federal court order.
8. The number of sidewalk vending receptacles the sidewalk vendor will operate within the
city under the license.
9. Whether the vendor intends to operate as a stationary sidewalk vendor or a roaming
sidewalk vendor.
10. The day(s) and hours of operation the stationary sidewalk vendor intends to operate at
such location(s).
11. The location(s) in the City where the stationary sidewalk vendor intends to operate.
12. The dimensions of the sidewalk vendor's sidewalk vending receptacle(s), including a
picture of each sidewalk vending receptacle operating under the license.
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13. Whether the sidewalk vendor will be selling food, merchandise, or both.
14. If the sidewalk vendor is selling food, a description of the type of food to be sold, whether
such foods are prepared on site, and whether the vendor requires a heating element to
prepare the food.
15. If the vendor is selling merchandise, a description of the merchandise to be sold.
16. A copy of a current and valid permit from the Riverside County Department of
Environmental Health. This requirement shall only apply to applicants for a sidewalk
vendor license to sell food products that have not been commercially packaged.
17. A certification by the applicant that, to his or her knowledge and belief, the information
contained on the application is true.
18. An acknowledgment that the sidewalk vendor will comply with all other generally
applicable local, state, and federal laws.
19. An agreement by the sidewalk vendor to defend, indemnify, release and hold harmless
the city, its City Council, boards, commissions, officers and employees from and against
any and all claims, demands, obligations, damages, actions, causes of action, suits,
losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs and expenses (including without
limitation, attorney's fees, disbursements and court costs) of every kind and nature
whatsoever which may arise from or in any manner relate (directly or indirectly) to the
permit or the vendor's sidewalk vending activities. This indemnification shall include, but
not be limited to, damages awarded against the city, if any, costs of suit, attorneys' fees,
and other expenses incurred in connection with such claim, action, or proceeding whether
incurred by the licensee, City, and/or the parties initiating or bringing such proceeding.
20. Proof of business and general liability insurance covering the City of Lake Elsinore, its
employees, agents, and consultants.
21. An acknowledgment that the sidewalk vendors’ use of public property is at their own risk,
the city does not take any steps to ensure public property is safe or conducive to the
sidewalk vending activities, and the sidewalk vendor uses public property at their own risk.
22. Any other relevant information required by the City Manager.
D. Such application shall be accompanied by the nonrefundable sidewalk vendor license
application fee as established by resolution of the City Council.
5.31.040 Issuance of a sidewalk vendor license.
A. Within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application, the City Manager may issue a
sidewalk vendor license to a sidewalk vendor if he or she finds, based on all of the relevant
information, that:
1. The conduct of such sidewalk vending activity will not interfere with traffic or pedestrian
movement, or tend to interfere with or endanger the public peace or rights of nearby
residents to the quiet and peaceable enjoyment of their property, or otherwise be
detrimental to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare or encourage loitering;
2. The conduct of such sidewalk vending activity will not unduly interfere with normal
governmental or city operations, threaten to result in damage or detriment to public
property, or result in the city incurring costs or expenditures in either money or personnel
not reimbursed in advance by the sidewalk vendor;
3. The conduct of such sidewalk vending activity will not constitute a fire hazard;
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4. The conduct of such sidewalk vending activity will not require the diversion of police
officers to properly police the area of such activity as to interfere with normal police
protection for other areas of the city;
5. The sidewalk vendor has paid all previous administrative fines, completed all community
service, and completed any other alternative disposition associated in any way with a
previous violation of this article or its predecessors;
6. The sidewalk vendor has not had a previous license or permit for sidewalk vendor activity
revoked by the city within the past five years;
7. The application for a sidewalk vendor contains all required information, and the sidewalk
vendor has not made a materially false, misleading, or fraudulent statement of fact to the
city in the application process;
8. The sidewalk vendor has satisfied all the requirements of this article;
9. The sidewalk vendor has paid the sidewalk vendor license fee;
10. The sidewalk vendor's cart and proposed activities conform to the requirements of this
article;
11. The sidewalk vendor has provided adequate insurance to protect the city from liability
associated with sidewalk vendor activities, as determined by the city manager;
12. The sidewalk vendor has not been convicted of, or committed, any offense that is directly
related to sidewalk vendor activities, within the last five years;
13. The sidewalk vendor has not had an individual or business permit or license with any
agency, board, city, county, territory, or state denied, revoked, restricted, or suspended
within the last two years; and
14. The sidewalk vendor has not been subject to an injunction for nuisance, as defined by
state or local laws, within the last five years.
5.31.050 Operating conditions.
All sidewalk vendors operating within the City shall comply with the following provisions:
A. Sidewalk vendors shall comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws and
regulations. When a motor vehicle or trailer is involved in the vending activity, the vendor
shall maintain a valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and valid registration,
and shall be subject to inspection by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and/or the
California Highway Patrol
B. The sidewalk vendor license shall be displayed conspicuously at all times on the sidewalk
vending receptacle or the sidewalk vendor's person. If multiple sidewalk vendors are
staffing a sidewalk vendor receptacle or working as roaming sidewalk vendors, each
person shall wear their license on their person in a conspicuous manner.
C. All food and merchandise shall be stored either inside or affixed to the sidewalk vendor
receptacle or carried by the sidewalk vendor. Food and merchandise shall not be stored,
placed, or kept on any public property. If affixed to the sidewalk vendor receptacle, the
overall space taken up by the sidewalk vendor receptacle shall not exceed the size
requirements provided in this section.
D. Sidewalk vendors shall maintain a current and valid permit from the Riverside County
Department of Environmental Health. This requirement shall only apply to sidewalk
vendors selling food products that have not been commercially packaged.
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E. Sidewalk vendors shall maintain sanitary conditions.
F. Sidewalk vendors shall not leave their sidewalk vending receptacle unattended to solicit
business for their sidewalk vending activities. Sidewalk vending receptacles shall not be
stored on public property and shall be removed when not in active use by a vendor.
G. Sidewalk vendors shall not cause damage to city property, including furniture,
landscaping, irrigation, or any other facilities or structures located in the public right-of-
way.
H. All sidewalk vendors shall allow a city police officer or other law enforcement, firefighter,
or code enforcement officer, at any time, to inspect their sidewalk vending receptacle for
compliance with the size requirements of this chapter and to ensure the safe operation of
any heating elements used to prepare food.
I. Sidewalk vending receptacles shall not exceed a total height of three feet, a total width of
three feet, and a total length of three feet to not block or obstruct the free movement of
pedestrians on sidewalks and must maintain an accessible path of travel, without
obstruction, along the sidewalk upon which the vendor is vending so as to enable persons
to freely pass while walking, running or using mobility assistance devices.
J. No sidewalk vending receptacle shall be motorized or pedal-driven.
K. No sidewalk vendor shall utilize machines, electronics, or other objects to generate noise.
L. Signs prohibited by LEMC Section 17.196.100 for stationary businesses are also
prohibited for sidewalk vendors.
M. No sidewalk vendor may employ the use of lighted signs or automated moving displays.
N. Sidewalk Vendors shall not place freestanding displays or signs within the public right-of-
way, which would obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
O. If a sidewalk vending receptacle requires more than one person to conduct the sidewalk
vending activity, all sidewalk vendors associated with the sidewalk vending receptacle
shall be within five feet of the sidewalk vending receptacle when conducting sidewalk
vending activities.
P. Sidewalk vendors that sell food shall maintain a trash container in or on their sidewalk
vending receptacle and shall not empty their trash into public trash cans. The size of the
vendor's trash container shall be taken into account when assessing the total size limit of
a sidewalk vending receptacle. Sidewalk vendors shall not leave any location without first
picking up, removing, and disposing of all trash or refuse from their operation.
Q. Sidewalk vendors shall maintain a minimum four-foot clear accessible path free from
obstructions, including sidewalk vending receptacles and customer queuing areas.
R. Sidewalk vendors shall comply with the noise standards provided in Chapter 17.176 of
this code and any successor chapters.
5.31.060 Prohibited activities and locations.
A. Sidewalk vendors shall comply with all operating conditions, including those conditions set
forth in Section 5.31.050.
B. Sidewalk vending receptacles shall not touch, lean against, or be affixed at any time to any
building or structure, including, but not limited to, lampposts, parking meters, mailboxes, traffic
signals, fire hydrants, benches, bus shelters, newsstands, trash cans, or traffic barriers.
C. Sidewalk vendors shall not engage in any of the following activities:
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1. Renting merchandise to customers.
2. Displaying merchandise or food that is not available for immediate sale.
3. Selling of adult-oriented materials, cannabis, alcohol, or alcoholic beverages.
4. Using an open flame on or within any sidewalk vending receptacle.
5. In nonresidential areas, all sidewalk vendors, regardless of whether a roaming sidewalk
vendor or a stationary sidewalk vendor, operating after sunset shall provide adequate
lighting in the immediate vicinity of the sidewalk vending receptacle to ensure safe
transactions with the public.
6. In residential areas, all stationary sidewalk vending is prohibited. In residential areas,
roaming sidewalk vending activity is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half
hour before sunrise.
7. Continuing to offer food or merchandise for sale, following, or accompanying any person
who has been offered food or merchandise after the person has asked the vendor to leave
or after the person has declined the offer to purchase food or merchandise.
8. Sidewalk vendors shall not approach persons to sell food or merchandise and shall not
interfere in any way with anyone engaged in an activity to sell food or merchandise.
9. Sidewalk vendors shall not vend or sell food or merchandise to any persons in a moving
vehicle or in an illegally parked or stopped vehicle.
10. Knowingly making false statements or misrepresentations during the course of offering
food or merchandise for sale.
11. Blocking or impeding the path of the person(s) being offered food or merchandise to
purchase.
12. Advertising any product or service that is not related to the food or merchandise being
offered for immediate sale.
13. Using any horns, music, lights, visual media, or sound amplifying device unless expressly
approved in the sidewalk vendor license.
14. Physically altering or otherwise damaging the sidewalk.
15. Making any statements, gesture, or other communication which a reasonable person in
the situation of the person(s) being offered food or merchandise to purchase would
perceive to be a threat and which has a reasonable likelihood to produce in the person(s)
a fear that the threat will be carried out.
16. Placing of any type of fencing or other divider around the vending area.
17. Touching the person(s) being offered to purchase food or merchandise without that
person(s)' consent.
D. All sidewalk vendor activities shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as the
same may be amended from time to time, as well as with the proposed accessibility guidelines
for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way.
E. Sidewalk vendors shall not operate on the following segments of roadways due to safety
factors, including high volume or speed of traffic, lack of parking, and pedestrian safety:
1. Railroad Canyon Road
2. Central Avenue
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3. Riverside Drive
4. Canyon Hills Road
5. Diamond Drive
6. Summerhill Drive
7. Lincoln Street
8. Collier Avenue
9. Chaney Street
10. Corydon Road
11. Auto Center Drive
12. Mission Trail
13. Malaga Road
14. Grand Avenue
15. Main Street
16. Streets on which there is active construction.
17. Streets that do not have a sidewalk and/or safe pedestrian circulation.
18. Streets where there is a Special Event.
F. Sidewalk vendors shall not engage in sidewalk vending activities at the following locations:
1. Any public alley or public parking lot.
2. No stationary sidewalk vendors shall operate in a park owned or operated by the City
where the operator of the park has signed an agreement for concessions that exclusively
permits the sale of food or merchandise by the concessionaire. Such restriction, if
imposed, shall be set forth as a condition of approval of the sidewalk vendor license and
identify the restricted park(s).
3. No sidewalk vendors shall operate in a park owned or operated by the City in a manner
that impedes the public’s use and enjoyment of natural resources and recreational
opportunities, or that causes an undue concentration of commercial activity that
unreasonably interferes with the scenic and natural character of the park. Such restriction,
if imposed, shall be set forth as a condition of approval of the sidewalk vendor license and
identify the restricted park(s).
4. No stationary sidewalk vendors shall operate in any areas that are zoned exclusively
residential.
5. No sidewalk vendors shall operate in areas located within 200 feet of a permitted certified
farmers’ market or a permitted swap meet during the operating hours of that certified
farmers’ market or swap meet.
6. No sidewalk vendors shall operate within 200 feet of an area designated for a Special
Event issued by the City unless the sidewalk vendor is specifically associated with the
Special Event permittee. This prohibition shall only be effective for the duration of the
Special Permit.
7. Sidewalk vendors shall not engage in sidewalk vending activities within 100 feet of an
Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
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8. Sidewalk Vendors shall not operate within fifteen feet (20') of another Sidewalk Vendor.
9. Sidewalk Vendors shall not obstruct vehicle or pedestrian traffic, shall not place items
connected to the vending operation within the Public Right-of-Way that hinders such
visibility, and shall not engage in vending within the following locations:
i. Fifteen feet (15') of a curb which has been duly designated by the City as a white,
yellow, blue, or red zone.
ii. Five hundred feet (500') of a freeway entrance or exit in accordance with California
Vehicle Code section 22520.5, as may be amended from time to time.
iii. Fifteen feet (15') of a fire hydrant, fire escape, pedestrian signal crossing, bus stop,
driveway, or any accessible curb ramp.
iv. Three feet (3') from the edge of a curb.
v. Fifteen feet (15') of a building entrance or exit.
vi. Upon or within any roadway, median strip, or dividing section.
5.31.070 Enforcement.
A violation of this chapter constitutes a public nuisance subject to abatement and enforcement by
the administrative remedies provided herein, as well as civil enforcement, including injunctive
relief. Any person or entity that causes, commits, or maintains a violation of this chapter shall be
subject to the following penalties and remedies:
A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any violation of this article shall be assessed
administrative fines in the following amounts:
1. An administrative fine not exceeding $100.00 for a first violation.
2. An administrative fine not exceeding $200.00 for a second violation within one year of
the first violation.
3. An administrative fine not exceeding $500.00 for each additional violation within one
year of the first violation.
B. If a sidewalk vendor violates any portion of this article and cannot present the citing officer
with proof of a valid city sidewalk vendor license, the sidewalk vendor shall be assessed
administrative fines in the following amounts in lieu of the administrative fines set forth in
paragraph (A):
1. An administrative fine not exceeding $250.00 for a first violation.
2. An administrative fine not exceeding $500.00 for a second violation within one year
of the first violation.
3. An administrative fine not exceeding $1,000.00 for each additional violation within
one year of the first violation.
C. Upon proof of a valid city sidewalk vendor license issued by the local authority, the
administrative fines set forth in paragraph (B) shall be reduced to the administrative fines
set forth in paragraph (A), respectively.
D. The City may revoke a sidewalk vendor license issued to a sidewalk vendor for the term
of that sidewalk vendor license upon the fourth violation or subsequent violations of any
provision of this chapter.
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E. A violation of any provision of this chapter or failure to pay an administrative fine pursuant
to this section shall not be punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor.
F. Any person alleged to have violated any provision of this chapter shall not be subject to
arrest except when otherwise permitted by law.
G. When assessing an administrative fine pursuant to this section, the City Manager
designee shall take into consideration the sidewalk vendor’s ability to pay the fine. The
City shall provide the sidewalk vendor with notice of his or her right to request an ability-
to-pay determination and shall make available instructions or other materials for
requesting an ability-to-pay determination. The sidewalk vendor may request an ability-to-
pay determination at adjudication or while the fine remains unpaid, including when a case
is delinquent or has been referred to a comprehensive collection program. If the sidewalk
vendor meets the criteria described in Government Code Section 68632(a) or (b), the City
shall accept, in full satisfaction, 20 percent of the administrative fine imposed pursuant to
this section.
H. A request for an ability-to-pay determination shall be submitted to the City Clerk for
determination by the City Manager.
I. The City reserves the right to allow any sidewalk vendor in violation of any provision of
this chapter to complete community service in lieu of paying the total administrative fine,
A failure to timely and properly submit any appeal applicable pursuant to this chapter shall
result in the fine or other decision being deemed final and not appealable, and shall
constitute a failure to exhaust administrative remedies. Any determination from a properly
filed appeal or request for any determination pursuant to his chapter shall be the final
decision of the City.
J. A failure to timely and properly submit any appeal applicable pursuant to this chapter shall
result in the fine or other decision being deemed final and not appealable, and shall
constitute a failure to exhaust administrative remedies. Any determination from a properly
filed appeal or request for any determination pursuant to his chapter shall be the final
decision of the City.
K. It is a violation of this chapter for any employer or other principal of a person to cause,
direct, or maintain a violation of this chapter.
L. Each day a violation exists shall constitute a separate and distinct violation.
M. The remedies provided herein are intended to be cumulative, not exclusive, and may be
used in lieu of or in conjunction with each other.
5.31.080 Impoundment.
A. The City through any Enforcement Officer may impound a sidewalk vendor’s vending
equipment, food and/or utensils used in violation of this chapter pursuant to the provisions
of California Civil Code section 2080.10, California Health and Safety Code section
114393, Government Code section 38773 and/or any other applicable City, county, or
state law for any of the following reasons:
1. Leaving vending equipment, food, or merchandise unattended in violation of this
chapter;
2. Such items are found to be, or suspected of being, unsanitary or in such disrepair
that food, equipment, or utensils may become contaminated or adulterated;
3. Vending without a valid sidewalk vendor license in violation of this chapter;
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4. Vending without a valid permit from the Riverside County Department of
Environmental Health;
5. Vending in violation of this chapter and the sidewalk vendor refuses or fails to
provide identification upon request by an Enforcement Officer who provides proper
identification;
6. Vending in an apparent violation of this chapter and the sidewalk vendor refuses
or fails to remove the vending equipment from the sidewalk or public right of way
within 30 minutes after being instructed to do so by an Enforcement Officer;
7. Vending in a manner that blocks or obstructs the free movement of pedestrians or
other traffic on sidewalks and fails to maintain an accessible path of travel;
8. Vending in a manner that creates an imminent and substantial danger or
environmental hazard to the health, safety, or general welfare of the public or the
property at the location of the vending equipment;
9. Vending by a repeat offender, a sidewalk vendor who has been found responsible
by the City, hearing officer, or a court of law for a violation of this chapter two or
more times within a 12-month period after being contacted by the City or
Enforcement Officer who issued an administrative citation;
10. Upon the fourth (4th) violation by a vendor within a 12-month period or within a 24-
month period, and upon the expiration of the time to appeal such fourth (4th)
violation or upon the unsuccessful appeal, the City shall dispose of all seized
equipment.
B. Vending equipment, food, or merchandise that is evidence of a crime or booked as
property after the arrest of a sidewalk vendor for violation of any local, state, or federal
laws or regulations, excluding this chapter, may be impounded in accordance with
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office applicable policies and procedures.
C. The City may immediately dispose of impounded goods that cannot be safely stored, or
that are perishable, hazardous, or dangerous.
D. Any owner of impounded vending equipment, food, or merchandise may, within 10 days,
request an administrative hearing before a hearing officer appointed by the City.
E. The City Manager shall provide the person from whom the vending equipment,
merchandise, utensils, and/or food were impounded with a receipt and instructions for
retrieval of the impounded items, excluding items that were disposed of according to
section 5.31.080(C). The receipt and instructions shall either be given to the person from
whom the items were taken at the time of impound or shall be mailed within two business
days of the impound to the address received by the City when the person applied for a
vending license.
F. Impounded vending equipment, merchandise, utensils, and/or food, excluding any times
disposed of according to section 5.31.080, will be released to the sidewalk vendor or
owner provided that proper proof of ownership is presented, and the City received
payment in full of all administrative costs incurred as a result of the violation. Any
unclaimed items will be considered abandoned and forfeited to the City after 90 days
following impoundment and may be disposed of by the City as permitted by law.
Section 5: Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application is held invalid by a
court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, sections, or
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applications of the Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application,
and to this end each phrase, section, sentence, or word is declared to be severable.
Section 6: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on the thirty-first
(31st) day after the date of adoption.
Section 7: Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall
cause a synopsis of the same to be published according to law.
Passed, Approved, and Adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Lake Elsinore, California, on this 27th day of May 2025.
Brian Tisdale
Mayor
Attest:
Candice Alvarez, MMC
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE )
I, Candice Alvarez, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, do hereby certify that
Ordinance No. 2024-1502 was introduced by the City Council of the City of Lake Elsinore,
California, at its Regular meeting of May 13, 2025, and adopted at its Regular meeting of May 27,
2025, and that the same was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Manos, Johnson, and Sheridan; Mayor Pro Tem Magee; and Mayor
Tisdale
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Candice Alvarez, MMC
City Clerk
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