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New vendor ordinances go into effect in Balboa Park

Vendors are banned from sidewalks in Balboa Park during the annual summer moratorium, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

SAN DIEGO — Balboa Park is known as the ‘crown jewel’ of San Diego and on June 1, a new ordinance begins for vendors at the park, the ordinance includes permits for vendors and at least 50-feet between vendors. 

According to the May 23 ordinance, vendors must obtain permits or "cease vending activity" in Balboa Park beginning June 1.

Credit: SanDiego.gov
Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance (SVO) was signed into law by Mayor Todd Gloria on May 23, 2022

Enforcement of the ordinance is expected to begin on June 22, except in coastal communities where the ordinance must be approved by the Coastal Commission prior to implementation.

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Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story said enforcement of the ordinance began on June 1st. Because of substantial changes to the ordinance, enforcement of the vendor ordinance will not go into effect until June 22. However, according to the May 23 ordinance, vendors are currently prohibited from operating without permits, beginning on June 1. 

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Every day hundreds of people walk through Balboa Park. It's not only an urban park but, also home to museums, gardens, and great amenities.

There are also many vendors. For years, they've been a "staple" at Balboa Park. Many tourists and locals say they appreciate them.

"Where else am I going to get a churro and then a cute dress," said Renee Guerrero.

"I love the vendors here cause girls like shopping, right?" said Yashu Li.

However, organizations like the Balboa Park Heritage Association don't feel the same way. The state senate passed an ordinance that went into effect in 2019, and some say it is deeply flawed.

For example, a 25-foot distance between vendors. The Heritage Association wants 100-feet between each vendor, and some space between certain landmarks like the fountain.

Starting in June, new city rules will address some of their concerns.

Vendors are banned from sidewalks in Balboa Park during the annual summer moratorium, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Credit: SanDiego.gov
Balboa Park Summer Moratorium for Vendors from Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance (SVO) was signed into law by Mayor Todd Gloria on May 23, 2022

Vendors CBS 8 spoke with Tuesday night say they’re worried.

"How are we going to support our families they need money to support," said Waseem Hameei.

Included in the ordinance, the city will not allow vending year-round in certain locations around Balboa Park, including within 50-feet of the botanical building and lily pond and within 25-feet of El Prado and other areas.

The city says they will continue to hear community feedback for any future changes. And will be reviewed annually by the economic development and intergovernmental relations committee to ensure the ordinance is running smoothly. 

The city says these regulations will support small businesses around the city along with protecting the character of Balboa Park 

Here are the restrictions of where vendors will be able to set up:

It also would not allow vending year-round in many key areas of the park, including within 50-feet of the Botanical Building and Lily Pond, and within 25-feet of El Prado.

Here are the restrictions of where vendors will be able to set up:

  • Village Place
  • Pan American Road East
  • Pan American Road West
  • Pan American Plaza
  • Old Globe Way
  • Chapel Road
  • Spanish Village
  • Plaza de Panama
  • Plaza de California
  • Plaza de Balboa
  • The War Memorial Building
  • The Carousel
  • Spreckels Organ Pavilion
  • Presidents Way, the park’s gardens, and any covered walkway.

The ordinance also requires vendors to obtain a vending permit and maintain 50-feet of separation from other vendors, places time restrictions on vending within parks, and prohibits the use of sound-making devices by vendors.

Read the full Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance (SVO) that was signed into law by Mayor Todd Gloria on May 23, 2022, and will go into effect on June 22, 2002:

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