Title
a. Receive an update on unpermitted food vendor enforcement progress, including coordination outcomes, barriers, and staff effectiveness; and
b. Provide further direction to staff, as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update on unpermitted food vendor enforcement progress, including coordination outcomes, barriers, and staff effectiveness; and
b. Provide further direction to staff, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
EHB has experienced a significant increase in complaints related to unpermitted food vendors operating in unincorporated areas of Monterey County. Unpermitted food vendors are selling or peddling food from carts, trucks, trailers, tables, trunks of their cars, or from their home without a permit from Environmental Health Bureau (EHB). EHB and the District Attorney’s Office continue to collaborate on enforcement efforts for the health and safety of the community.
DISCUSSION:
On October 25, 2024, the Planning Commission Referral No. 24.8 requested a report be provided to the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors on the EHB regulations and enforcement strategies to address unpermitted food vendors throughout unincorporated Monterey County.
On February 3, 2026, EHB provided an update to the Board of Supervisors on efforts to address the regulations and enforcement efforts to curb unpermitted food vendors. EHB inspectors contacted vendors, provided food safety education, informed vendors of available permitting options, and requested that operations cease. EHB escalated enforcement actions to issuing administrative citations, impoundment of food and food equipment, and administrative hearings. Due to safety concerns for inspectors, the District Attorney’s Office Investigation Team has provided critical support by ensuring staff safety, assisting with vendor identification, supporting equipment impoundment and storage, and initiating enforcement actions.
To address the enforcement efforts, EHB plans to staff a task force focused on unpermitted and unallowed health regulated activities by filling two (2) existing vacant Environmental Health Specialist III (EHS III) positions who will work in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office, as well as county and city law and code enforcement partners. The intention is to sustain the EHB positions with Board approved Article I.E. increased fees. These positions will be responsible for conducting inspections, issuing citations, notices of violation, preparing case documentation, and coordinating enforcement and education actions related to health regulated activities including but not limited to unpermitted food vendors. The EHS III staff will provide timely response to complaints and reduce reoccurrence of unpermitted health regulated activities that may occur beyond the routine office hours of 8 am to 5 pm. EHB is preparing to initiate recruitment to fill the EHS III positions. Additionally, the Health Department was allocated a one-time augmentation of $15,000 in FY 2026, approved by the Board, to support enforcement efforts. The one-time funding will be utilized to offset overtime costs associated with enforcement activities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County of Monterey Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau has worked collaboratively with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of County Counsel has reviewed this report as to form.
FINANCING:
There are no fiscal provisions; therefore, there is no impact to the General Fund with the acceptance of this staff update
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Addressing the regulations and enforcement strategies to address unpermitted food vendors throughout unincorporated Monterey County are essential to protect public health, ensure staff safety, and maintain equitable enforcement for permitted food operators within Monterey County.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Charise Walters, Management Analyst III, 755-1297
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4621
Attachments:
Board Report
Board Order No. 26-074
Planning Commission PC 25-012