Mission Viejo City Law Regarding Sidewalk Vendors Is Designed To Protect Minors From Public Display Of Harmful Material

Press release from the City of Mission Viejo:

January 27, 2021

The City of Mission Viejo this week will begin enforcing a City law regarding sidewalk vendors that is designed to protect minors from the public display of harmful material.

According to Mission Viejo Municipal Code Sections 11.10.020 and 14.01.580, the bottom portion (two-thirds) of any vulgar or profane word, depiction, photo or graphic must always be blocked from public view. To comply with the Municipal Code, sidewalk vendors can remove or conceal items entirely from the public eye. Violators of the Municipal Code could face daily citations.

Along with adhering to the Municipal Code, vendors are required by the American Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide at least four feet of sidewalk clearance. Vendors are prohibited from setting up booths on a curb ramp or at the top of a curb ramp. Violations blocking the path of travel are subject to citation under Section 14.01.010.

California Senate Bill 946 (Sidewalk Vendors) - opposed by Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) - allows vendors to sell merchandise on public sidewalks as long as they do not violate the American Disabilities Act. The law does not require them to have a permit from the City. However, those sidewalk vendors displaying harmful material to minors in the public view could face Municipal Code citations of up to $500.

Sidewalk vendors with questions or residents with complaints (and accompanying photos) should contact PublicWorks@cityofmissionviejo.org or call 949-470-3056.

This press release was produced by the City of Mission Viejo. The views expressed here are the author’s own.