THOUSAND OAKS : City and Vendors to Discuss Restrictions

Thousand Oaks city officials will meet with street vendors in an attempt to resolve their fears that proposed new restrictions on their businesses would cause them to lose money.

The proposed ordinance would restrict the times and locations that vendors can operate in the city and would prohibit street vendors from operating before 9 a.m. and after sunset. It would also require businesses that operate on public streets to obtain insurance.

The City Council took no action on the ordinance when it was discussed early Wednesday, City Atty. Mark G. Sellers said.

But at Councilman Frank Schillo’s suggestion, four council members agreed that an analysis of the ordinance’s impact on small businesses should be conducted before it is reviewed again, Sellers said.

Street vendors are already required to obtain a license from the city and a health permit from the county.

Sellers has suggested that the city also restrict vendors from operating at least 100 feet from intersections and 500 feet away from freeway on- and off-ramps.

City legal and code enforcement officials would meet with vendors in an attempt to resolve fears that the new requirements would force them to lose business, Sellers said.

A date for the meetings has not been scheduled.