TO:
Honorable Parking and Public Improvements Commission Chair and Commissioners
THROUGH:
Michael Codron, Interim Community Development Director
FROM:
Erik Zandvliet, T.E., City Traffic Engineer
SUBJECT:Title
Consider Modifications to the Municipal Code Related to Mobile Food Vendors
RECOMMEND ADOPTION BY CITY COUNCIL
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Commission pass a motion recommending that City Council adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 3.68 of the City's Municipal Code regulating mobile food vendors.
BACKGROUND:
This summer, a number of mobile food vendors began operating in Southern California cities, including congested coastal communities. On July 15, 2025, the City Council directed staff to agendize a consideration of an update to the City's mobile food vendor regulations to protect public health and safety related to increased congestion, increased tourists, narrow streets, and limited parking, especially in the City's commercial areas in close proximity to the beach.
The City's existing regulations regarding mobile food vendors in the public right-of-way (ROW) are found in Municipal Code Chapter 3.68, which was adopted by the City Council on February 21, 2012 (Attachment A). These regulations were established in accordance with California law, which authorizes cities to adopt regulations to facilitate the public safety relating to the type of vending, and the time, place and manner of vending.
This report is a review of State, County and City regulations that are applicable to mobile food vendors and a summary of current practices in other municipalities that could be adapted for use in Manhattan Beach.
DISCUSSION:
The California Vehicle Code authorizes municipalities to regulate mobile food vending in order to protect public health and safety. In addition, Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution extends police power authority to municipalities to ...
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