Title
a. Receive an update in response to the Planning Commission’s request to address the regulations and enforcement efforts to curb unpermitted food vendors;
b. Receive an update on enforcement actions and open cases; and
c. Provide further direction to staff, as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update in response to the Planning Commission’s request to address the regulations and enforcement efforts to curb unpermitted food vendors;
b. Receive an update on enforcement actions and open cases; and
c. Provide further direction to staff, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
On October 25, 2024, the Planning Commission requested Referral No. 24.8 requesting a report on the Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) regulations and enforcement efforts to curb unpermitted food vendors. The Planning Commission requests for staff to provide an update on regulations and enforcement strategies to address unpermitted food vendors throughout unincorporated Monterey County.
DISCUSSION:
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 EHB. These complaints primarily involve pop-up taco vendors concentrated in Pajaro, Salinas, Soledad, Greenfield, Castroville, Prunedale, the Crazy Horse/San Juan area, and along San Miguel Canyon Road.
Since July 1, 2024, the EHB has received 223 complaints regarding unpermitted food vendors. The highest complaint volumes were reported in Salinas (72), the Pajaro (38), Castroville (30), and South County (27).
During the first 6 months, EHB prioritized education and voluntary compliance. EHB Inspectors contacted vendors, provided food safety education, informed vendors available permitting options, and requested that operations cease. These ef...
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