Buena Park and Anaheim Crack Down on Unpermitted Street Food Vendors

Buena Park and Anaheim have taken significant steps to increase enforcement against unpermitted street food vendors, responding to ongoing health concerns and safety issues. The Buena Park City Council has voted to authorize code enforcement officers to impound street food vending equipment, while the Anaheim City Council has approved contracts valued at $250,000 each to bolster their enforcement measures.

Details of the Enforcement Measures

The impounding authority granted by Buena Park allows enforcement officers to confiscate street food vending equipment, including tents, tables, and grills, for up to 90 days. Officers can now take action if vendors abandon equipment or if the equipment poses any safety hazards. The decision to empower code enforcement officers comes amid reports of health violations, including reports of flies and maggots found in food from unregulated taco stands in the area.

In Anaheim, the approved contracts with 4Leaf Inc. will provide support for street vending regulation enforcement during large events. This could significantly enhance the ability of code enforcement staff, as up to 15 additional staffers will assist in monitoring compliance. The enforcement activities are particularly aimed at addressing food safety concerns raised by authorities regarding vendors operating outside Angel Stadium, amid particular scrutiny during popular events.

Supporting Background and Context

Street vendors in both cities have been reported to use lookouts to evade enforcement efforts, though the extent of the enforcement has been relatively limited due to resource constraints, particularly in Buena Park, where code officers typically manage only one to three enforcement actions per month.

Despite concerns regarding the impact of tougher measures on all street vendors, a majority of Buena Park city council members have shown support for the increased enforcement. Some local officials and community members have expressed worries that the efforts may unfairly label all street vendors, complicating what is already a contentious issue in both cities.

As street food businesses can surge significantly during peak events (with numbers reportedly rising from a dozen to 40 during occasions like Halloween at Knott’s Berry Farm), local authorities are under pressure to maintain public health and safety while also considering the livelihoods of vendors.

Impound Fees and Community Impact

The new regulations set an impound fee of $265 for vendors whose equipment is confiscated. This new financial burden raises questions about the future viability of certain vendors in the area. The community may need to discuss potential legal avenues for street food vendors to operate, balancing safety and regulatory compliance with the economic realities faced by these small business owners.

As enforcement actions evolve, both Buena Park and Anaheim are actively trying to manage public health and safety, while addressing the complexities surrounding street food vending in their communities. The outcomes of these enforcement measures will likely shape vendor operations as both cities strive to mitigate risks associated with unregulated food sales.