The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has approved new ordinances that will significantly impact sidewalk vending in Rio Linda and the surrounding unincorporated areas, effective March 2025. These regulations aim to balance the needs of small businesses with public health and safety.
Why the Change?
The new ordinances are a response to the increased number of sidewalk vendors following recent state legislation that decriminalized vending and eased requirements. However, this led to concerns about vendor compliance and public safety.
Key Changes for Local Vendors:
- Permitting and Licensing:
- A $61 annual sidewalk vending license will be required.
- Vendors must comply with health and business licensing requirements.
- The County will initially focus on education before enforcing fines.
- Operational Guidelines:
- Vendors must adhere to specific location restrictions, including staying away from school zones, bike paths, and emergency facilities.
- Compliance with ADA regulations and local health codes is mandatory.
- Regulations include sanitation, waste disposal, and hours of operation.
- Specific distances from other business, and fire hydrants, etc are now law.
- Fines for Non-Compliance:
- Operating without a license can result in fines ranging from $250 for the first violation to $1,000 for subsequent violations.
- Health code violations can result in fines up to $250 per violation.
- Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFO):
- New standards for CMFOs will be implemented countywide, including permitting, sanitation, and temperature control.
- These regulations apply to CMFOs, not mobile food trucks.
- Locations:
- No vending in residential areas.
- No vending near construction zones, traffic-controlled areas, or in a way that obstructs traffic or pedestrians.
- No vending near libraries, police stations, government buildings, fire stations, or hospitals.
- No vending in the “immediate area” of farmer’s markets, permitted special events, or parks with concession agreements.
- Specific distance rules now apply to crosswalks, fire hydrants, driveways, outdoor dining, and other locations.
- Set-up Restrictions:
- Prohibitions on lights, horns, music, freestanding signs, customer seating, elevated objects, gas-powered generators, and propane bottles.
- Vendors must be present at their stands and cannot lock or chain them to objects.
- Required items include trash receptacles, handwashing facilities, refrigeration, and self-contained power sources.
- Prohibited Sales:
- Alcohol, lottery tickets, cannabis, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, weapons, and other prohibited items cannot be sold.
- Enforcement and Education:
- The County will prioritize educating vendors about the new regulations.
- Park Rangers will enforce regulations in Sacramento County Regional Parks.
- Inspectors will work to determine appropriate vendor hours on a case-by-case basis.
- Private Property:
- These regulations do not apply to vending on private property.
- The county is considering future ordinances to address vending on private property.
What This Means for Rio Linda:
These new regulations will bring significant changes to sidewalk vending in Rio Linda. Vendors will need to familiarize themselves with the new permitting and operational guidelines to ensure compliance. The County’s initial focus on education provides an opportunity for vendors to learn about the changes and avoid potential fines.
Stay Informed:
- Contact the Sacramento County Department of Finance and the Environmental Management Department for more information.
- Attend future public meetings and workshops to stay updated on the implementation of these regulations.
