NEWMAN — The Newman City Council will receive an informational report during its Oct. 27 meeting outlining the history and purpose of the city's mobile vendor ordinance, a policy that has regulated where mobile food and other vendors may operate for more than two decades.
No action is being requested from the council. Instead, the report provides background on the ordinance's origins, the concerns that led to its adoption and how mobile vendors are currently permitted to operate within city limits.
The issue dates back to 1998, when the Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a taco truck at 720 N St. along the Highway 33 corridor. The approval was appealed to the City Council by then-Mayor Joe Silveira, who argued that mobile food vendors were inconsistent with the goals of the Highway 33 Specific Plan and could create a precedent for future applications.
According to the staff report, Silveira also raised concerns that sales tax generated by mobile vendors is credited to the city where the business owner resides rather than the city where sales occur.
The council ultimately overturned the Planning Commission's decision in a unanimous vote and directed staff to prepare regulations specifically addressing mobile vendors.
At the time, city officials identified several concerns, including aesthetics along major entry corridors, potential impacts on traffic and parking, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Community members, local restaurant owners and the Newman Chamber of Commerce also expressed concerns during the public process.
The ordinance adopted in 1999 established guidelines for mobile vendors operating in Newman. Under current rules, permanent mobile vendors must obtain a conditional use permit and may operate only in the city's Controlled Manufacturing zone. Vendors also must not be visible from Highway 33, Hills Ferry Road or Merced Street, and they must provide adequate parking without affecting surrounding neighborhoods.
The ordinance also allows the city manager to issue special vendor permits for city-sponsored events such as fairs, carnivals and farmers markets.
In addition, all mobile vendors must obtain a city business license and comply with applicable health, sanitation and other regulatory requirements.
City staff said the ordinance continues to serve its intended purpose by preserving the appearance of the Highway 33 corridor, supporting established local businesses and addressing concerns related to traffic, parking, noise and sanitation.
The report notes that the ordinance does not prohibit mobile vendors from operating in Newman. Instead, it provides a pathway for vendors through the conditional use permit process in designated areas while continuing to allow participation in community events.
Staff concluded that the ordinance strikes an effective balance between accommodating mobile vendors and protecting the city's planning and economic development goals. The council is expected to discuss the informational report during its Oct. 27 meeting.
