Council Adopts Ordinance To Reduce Permit Fees For Street Vendors 

For Immediate Release: June 28, 2024

Today, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance reducing the annual fee for street vending permits in the City from $541 to $27.51. The ordinance was initiated via a motion introduced by Councilmembers Nithya Raman and Curren Price in June 2022, requesting the City Administrative Officer (CAO) to conduct a new fee study to determine the appropriate annual cost of a permit that allows for sidewalk and park vending for street vendors. As directed in the motion, the new fee study excludes costs related to enforcement of permitted sidewalk activities. The new rate of $27.51 takes into account the average annual income of street vendors and will help bring thousands of vendors into compliance with City regulations. 

The City of Los Angeles decriminalized sidewalk vending in 2017, establishing a set permitting fee of $541. When the fee was first established, the City estimated that there were 50,000 vendors in the City and anticipated issuing 16,000 permits annually. Once in operation however, an average of only 944 permits were issued annually, leading to most vendors in the city operating illegally.

“We’ve taken major steps to bring street vendors into the formal economy by removing barriers to obtaining permits, particularly with the passage of SB972. However, the financial costs alone were still enough to prevent vendors from operating legally,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “Today, we’ve taken a critical step to reversing that trend, reducing the permit fee from $541 to $27.51 and significantly reducing the financial burden placed on vendors. ”

“The City Council’s decision to lower the annual vending permit fee marks a crucial stride towards equity and fairness for our vibrant community of street vendors in Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Curren Price. “By acknowledging the financial realities that these vendors face, we are honoring their hard work and dedication. This ordinance will alleviate financial burdens, allowing more vendors to comply with regulations and cultivate an inclusive, supportive environment.”

“Thank you to Councilmembers Nithya Raman and Curren Price for fighting to improve permitting access for vendors,” said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez. “This effort will allow thousands of vendors across LA to afford permits for the first time so they can fully and legally participate in our economy.”

The new $27.51 annual fee is consistent with the requirements of the California Constitution and applies to all applicants regardless of whether they sell merchandise or food. The new policy will take effect in 30 days on July 28, 2024. 

####