With unpermitted food vendor complaints on the rise in Vacaville, the city is working to address the problem, according to a release issued on the city’s social media channels and website.
“The city has received complaints and contacted unpermitted, pop-up or mobile vendors in Vacaville over the last several months. We have discovered that, of those we have engaged with, none of them are Vacaville start-ups,” the social post noted. “The passage of laws in California makes it difficult for local jurisdictions to require vendors to vacate public property if they have local licenses/permits to conduct business.”
It’s not a situation unique to Vacaville.
Earlier this year, Fairfield began periodic code enforcement sweeps on such vendors.
“Our Code Enforcement Unit has launched food vendor compliance operations this week to protect public health and safety while supporting local businesses,” Fairfield Police officials noted in February, saying that they had handed out 12 citations and several warnings. “Our primary focus is education — ensuring vendors understand compliance standards and operate safely.”
Unpermitted street vendors have become a frequent issue at public comment portions of local meetings, including the Vacaville City Council and the Solano County Board of Supervisors. At a meeting of the board’s Land Use and Transportation Commission in November, county staff provided a deep dive on the issue and called for stepped-up enforcement from each of the cities in the county.
In it’s social media post, Vacaville city officials said they working to draft an ordinance, in conjunction with other Solano County cities, that will “equip staff with the authority to control some elements in how these vendors may operate, including stronger enforcement mechanisms.”
In the meantime, the city has updated its website, noting that a business license is required when selling goods or services, and when applicable, the Solano County Department of Resource Management requires a permit whenever food items are offered for consumption.
“We recommend that residents and visitors avoid patronizing vendors who cannot produce a city business license, and when applicable, a current Solano County Environmental Health Permit,” the social media post reads.
Complaints about uncleanliness, poor food handling practices, unsafe food, or unpermitted food sales can be directed to the county at (707) 784-6765 during business hours, emailed to Consumer@SolanoCounty.com, or submitted via the online complaint form. Lack of a posted business license can be reported to the city via CityofVacaville.gov/ContactUs. Vendors that need assistance with becoming compliant can also contact the City at CityofVacaville.gov/ContactUs.
Visit CityofVacaville.gov/MobileVendors to view, download, and share the flyer and brochure.
Dining and Cooking