Santa Monica : Vendor Standards Approved

In an attempt to regulate street vending in Santa Monica, the City Council approved a series of motions Tuesday night to establish performance standards for vendors in various areas of the city. The standards would govern the effect of vending on public safety and sidewalk congestion.

The council also voted to extend the city’s moratorium on new vending to Dec. 31.

The Bayside District Corp., an agency set up by the city to oversee development of the Third Street Promenade, will be permitted to initiate its own vending program for the outdoor mall under a motion proposed by Councilman Dennis Zane and passed unanimously by the council.

This program would allow the Bayside District Corp. to enter into an agreement with a single privately owned vending company to provide services to the entire promenade. The corporation would also receive 10% of the profits from the private company’s activity within the promenade.

Another motion to establish performance standards for vendors in Palisades Park was also passed by the council.

Additionally, a final motion calling for establishing a pilot program to evaluate vendor activity and its effects in other areas of the downtown was passed.