County approves new sidewalk vendor regs: What’s it mean for Citrus Heights?

By Sara Beth Williams–
Beginning in March, the County of Sacramento will require vendors selling wares on public rights of way to obtain a county permit, follow health and safety rules, and adhere to stricter guidelines on where and when they can operate after the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a series of new regulations during a Jan. 28 board meeting.

Violators will first receive warnings, and repeat offenders could face fines of up to $1,000.

The county defines sidewalk vendors as anyone who is selling food or merchandise from a cart, wagon, stall, or other non-motorized apparatus located in the public right-of-way, such as a public sidewalk. The purpose of the sidewalk vending ordinance is to “provide a clear path for prospective sidewalk vendors to conduct business in Sacramento County safely and legally,” according to the county.

Along with a business license, vendors who are selling food will also need to pursue a health permit through the Sacramento County Department of Environmental Management.

Chad Rinde, Director of Finance with Sacramento County, said the county plans to educate the sidewalk vending community about the new regulations.

What does this mean for Citrus Heights?
Citrus Heights Communications Officer Marisa Brown on Tuesday told The Sentinel that the county’s new regulations for sidewalk vending “does not apply to Citrus Heights,” as the city has authority over vending activity within the city limits. She also clarified that sidewalk vending “refers to selling food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, or display on public sidewalks or pedestrian paths.”

According to the county, cities are required to establish independent business licensing procedures, and many cities within the county already have existing licensing requirements in place.

In 2018, California passed SB 946, known as the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, in an effort to “decriminalize sidewalk vending,” Brown said. As a result of the state law, cities and counties must allow sidewalk vending, but are able to regulate vendors by requiring permits, licenses, and specific hours of operation and ensuring ADA compliance.

Brown confirmed that the city updated its codes to be in compliance with SB 946 in 2023. However, she said all food vendors must also comply with Sacramento County Department of Environmental Management regulations, which oversee food safety and permitting.

Sacramento Supervisor for District 4 Rosario Rodriguez told constituents in an email Monday that the new regulations are “all about finding that sweet spot: supporting the hardworking folks who run these small businesses while making sure our neighborhoods stay safe, clean, and fair for everyone.” She also said she’s seen “both sides of the coin” as she owns a taqueria in Folsom, and has witnessed consequences of unregulated vendors.

Unregulated vending results in blocked sidewalks, trash piling up, and “safety concerns” in crowded areas, Rodriguez said. The new regulations address these safety concerns by prohibiting blocking or otherwise impeding foot or vehicle traffic flow, according to the county, along with operating near construction zones, traffic-controlled areas, and special events or farmers’ markets, which may already have vendors.

Additionally, the county’s new regulation will prohibit bright lights, noise-making such as horns and music, and vending sales of restricted products such as alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, weapons, and more. To combat trash, vendors will be required to provide a trash can and properly dispose of any other waste.

The county is expected to return to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors later in the spring to further address specifics on where vendors are allowed to operate.