Corona City Council members voted 4-1 this week to implement new strict requirements for street vendors.
At the meeting Wednesday, Aug. 21, Councilmember Jacque Casillas was the sole “no” vote on the ordinance. Casillas also voted against the new rules when they were introduced July 3.
“It is my belief that this will make it essentially impossible to vend in Corona,” Casillas said at the July 3 council meeting. “While I know there are complications and some people don’t like street vendors, it is people trying to make an honest living.”
Other councilmembers, however, agreed with the new regulations.
“I was vocal about putting together the most restrictive street vendor ordinance possible,” Councilmember Jim Steiner said at the July 3 meeting. “I still feel that way.”
Councilmember Wes Speake also spoke in favor of the ordinance, saying vendors on Magnolia Avenue cause traffic issues when they cross the roadway to sell items to people stopped at the light.
Steiner also criticized the heavy population of vendors near the downtown area that congregate on Sixth Street and Sherman Avenue.
“It’s embarrassing, it’s absolutely embarrassing,” Steiner said. “We’re trying to make our downtown look beautiful with millions of dollars and to have this crap going on, it is counterproductive to what our goal is.”
Under the new ordinance, vendors are required to purchase a permit to sell goods on the sidewalk and must maintain a 500-foot distance from any freeway on-ramp and 50-foot distance from any street corner.
Additionally, vendors may occupy only a 50-square-foot radius on a sidewalk.
During parades and events, only nonprofit organizations with specialized permits will be allowed to sell within 200 feet of parade routes and event locations, under the new ordinance.
To obtain a city permit, vendors must pay a $67 fee and show proof of a valid state Tax and Fee Administration seller’s permit, proof of comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum policy limits of $1 million and provide a copy of a valid business license. Vendors selling food must also show proof of a health permit issued by Riverside County. The street vendor permit must be renewed annually in Corona.
Vendors who violate the new regulations may be fined up to $1,000 and will pay a $275 impound fee for property.
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