The purposes of this chapter are:
A.
To establish a sidewalk vendor permitting and regulatory program in compliance with Senate Bill 946 (Chapters 459, Statutes 2018), and SB 972, as those statutes may be amended, while protecting the public health, safety, and welfare;
B.
The regulation of individuals peddling goods, wares, merchandise, food or services on public or private property whether by foot, motorized or nonmotorized vehicles;
C.
To protect the public health, safety and welfare against unlawful activities or operations by individuals falsely representing themselves as peddlers or sidewalk vendors;
D.
To protect the public health, safety and welfare by regulating negative land use, public safety, and traffic impacts. These negative impacts include, but are not limited to:
1.
An increase in the amount of litter present and visible on both public and private property in the City,
2.
Disturbing landscaping in front, side and backyard setbacks when peddlers walk across private property,
3.
An increased risk of vehicle accidents and personal injury when peddling from motorized vehicles,
4.
Invasion of personal privacy when motorized vehicles remain parked for long periods of time in front of a person’s home or business,
5.
Disruption of the peaceful repose of residents when catering trucks or other motorized or nonmotorized vehicles emit sounds to gain the attention of potential customers,
6.
An increased risk of personal injury when carrying products through a neighborhood and exposing such items to the public for sale,
7.
An increased risk that the food items or products being offered for sale in the City are not handled, prepared or stored in sanitary conditions,
8.
Interference with the performance of police, fire, or other emergency services, and
9.
Interference with the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic including ingress to, and egress from, any residence, public building, place of business, from the street to public sidewalk, or persons exiting or entering parked or standing vehicles;
E.
To balance the rights and interests of those engaged in commercial and nonprofit activities with the rights and interests of those who do not want to be disturbed by such activities on private and public property;
F.
The purpose and intent of this chapter is to regulate the sale of goods, merchandise, wares, food, and non-food items within the City by peddlers and sidewalk vendors;
G.
To mitigate hazards posed by commercial signs to pedestrians and motorists, and to preserve community aesthetics and appearance;
H.
The City Council finds that the unique conditions of the City of Desert Hot Springs require certain restrictions on sidewalk vending, as defined in this chapter, as follows:
1.
The corridor on Palm Drive between Pierson Boulevard and Camino Aventura is a major thoroughfare within the City of Desert Hot Springs that since 2007, has had 12 fatal traffic collisions. This corridor is subject to unique conditions such as increased speed, fewer traffic control devices and bus stops placed in areas not located near a marked crosswalk. The City Council has since established a safety enhancement zone along this corridor pursuant to Chapter 12.28 of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code. The effect of this safety enhancement zone designation, among other things, is to double fines for traffic violations. Restrictions on sidewalk vending along this corridor are necessary to protect the public from injury due to the unique circumstances of this corridor,
2.
Since 2003, the City of Desert Hot Springs has experienced an increase in traffic collisions, involving vehicle vs. vehicle, vehicle vs. bicyclist and vehicle vs. pedestrian. Between years 2003-2012, there were 18 bicycle collisions and 52 pedestrian collisions that occurred in the City. In 2016, there were seven fatal traffic collisions and in 2017 there were eight fatal traffic collisions. Restrictions on sidewalk vending throughout the City of Desert Hot Springs are necessary to protect the public health and safety from traffic collisions,
3.
Many of the City’s parks provide recreational opportunities and restrictions on sidewalk vending are necessary to protect the natural resources, recreational opportunities, as well as scenic and natural character of these parks. Restrictions on sidewalk vending at public parks are necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of those persons engaged in recreational activities, the natural character of parks, and the natural resources of parks.
(Prior code § 120.01; Ord. 682 3-5-19; Ord. 694 10-15-19; Ord. 803, 6/4/2024)