BEVERLY HILLS : Plan to Allow Pushcart Vendors Backed by Planning Commission

Hoping to boost pedestrian traffic in Beverly Hills’ shopping district, the city’s Planning Commission has endorsed a plan to allow street vending carts on private property.

The pushcarts, which will probably be restricted to selling flowers or nonalcoholic drinks, could set up at privately owned shopping malls or other sites that have enough space for the large carts, the commission said Wednesday.

The commission joined with Rodeo Drive merchants in opposing vendors in public areas such as sidewalks and streets. But it expressed support for a flower stand on a parking lot on Beverly Drive and plans to consider opening several other locations to vendors.

Currently, the city allows vending only from permanent structures, which amounts to a ban on pushcarts on both private and public property. Before the recommendations can take effect, the plan must be approved by the Beverly Hills City Council. The council is expected to take up the matter later this summer.