What's Happening in Newport Beach, CA…

Newport Beach has historically banned street vendors, but a change in state law means that the city must now allow vendors to work on its streets, though they will still be subject to certain restrictions.

Among the restrictions is one that would ban vendors from selling goods and food on boardwalks, piers, or beaches, or in particular high-traffic sections of the sidewalks on Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula.

Council staffers said the areas being considered are crowded and busy, and vendors with their carts could block both vehicle and foot traffic. Under the new state law, which will go into effect in January, cities are allowed to restrict vendors based on concerns they may have for welfare, safety, or health. When agencies face matters like this, they sometimes use poster printing to create signage.

The Newport Beach City Council will consider the new law, and how it may be applied in Newport Beach, at a study session that will precede the regular session.

In total, Newport Beach has named over 30 locations where vendors may not be able to sell their goods. The state law allows some of these prohibitions; for instance, vendors cannot sell near permitted farmers’ markets, temporary special events, or swap meets.

The city is also considering banning vendors on any sidewalk less than eight feet wide, as well as on the entire 1.5 mile Corona del Mar section of the Pacific Coast Highway frontage, and within 100 feet of other vendors, a school, or an intersection.