Council votes to require permits for street vending — law goes into effect July 24

Last week, the San Juan County Council approved an ordinance regulating street vendors in the county. The law states that its purpose “is to require vendors using public places in the County to obtain a use permit from the County in order to prevent the creation of a nuisance and to establish rules for the operation of vending on public property.”

Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lance Evans wrote to Chamber members regarding the approved ordinance:

On Tuesday, July 14,  the San Juan County Council heard final public input on the proposed street vendor ordinance.  County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord introduced the ordinance to the Council.

This was the third ‘touch’ of the ordinance, allowing the Council to act on it.  Council members asked if it was possible to change the proposed ordinance to a simple “no sidewalk vendors on the public right-of-way,” but Gaylord indicated that would not be a revision to the ordinance, but effectively a new ordinance, requiring a re-start of the public hearing process.

Public comment followed, with Orcas Island Chamber members Rick Hughes and Michael Rivkin offering suggestions and input on the proposed ordinance.  Representing the Chamber, Executive Director Lance Evans reiterated the Chamber Board of Directors’ request for the “no vendors on the public right-of-way” ordinance, but also recapped the sentiments of several Chamber members regarding the ordinance.

Following public input, the Council deliberated the ordinance, with Gaylord responding to suggestions and questions.  There will be several revisions to the proposed ordinance, including a daily application fee of $50 ($25 had been proposed); permission must be obtained from property and/or business owners within 25 feet of the location; a $250 per hour fine for violating the ordinance; and an exemption for ‘youth groups.’

The law as approved can be seen at https://sanjuanco.com/council/docs/ordinances/2009/Ordinance%2021-2009.pdf

The new law will be effective this Friday, July 24. The Council will review the ordinance’s effectiveness after a period of time to see if  stricter enforcement  will be necessary.