New Law Would Ban Pushcart Vendors

The City Council today will consider final approval for a law that would ban pushcarts from all public property and increase regulation of vending trucks.

The ordinance, which already has preliminary approval, would prohibit any pushcart vendor from selling goods on any sidewalk, street, alley, park or other city-owned property.

City officials define pushcart vendors as people who sell items such as flowers, lemonade and ice cream from any “wheeled container,” including wagons and carts.

Also under the ordinance, vending trucks such as produce vehicles would have to move 200 feet every 15 minutes and clean up customer trash within 25 feet of each stop. Violators would face fines and risk having their merchandise confiscated.

Should the City Council approve the law, it would take effect in 30 days.

Also under council consideration is a proposal for a zoning change that would allow construction of a five-unit apartment building on Union Avenue.

The owners of a half-acre lot are proposing the project on property now zoned for low-density residential use. To build the five units, they would need zoning for medium density.

Council members will vote on the vending law at a 4 p.m. meeting. The zoning change will be considered at 7:30 p.m. Both sessions will be at City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Information: (714) 738-6300.