City Council to consider waiving permit fees for sidewalk vendors

DOWNEY – The Downey City Council on Tuesday will consider waiving application fees for sidewalk vendors hoping to do business in Downey.

Sidewalk vending was decriminalized across California in 2019 but Downey requires vendors to obtain a permit. Permits cost $63 annually.

Since 2019, however, only one vendor has applied for and received a permit.

Mayor Pro Tem Catherine Alvarez has proposed eliminating the initial permit application fee, a request the City Council will consider Tuesday.

City officials said unpermitted sidewalk vendors have been spotted at Downey parks and along the city’s borders.

Enforcement has primarily focused on ceasing sales and educating vendors on the permit process, said public works director Delfino Consunji.