A public discussion about proposed changes to Fresno's street‑vending rules dominated public comment on Oct. 16 as residents, restaurant owners and food vendors urged the City Council to narrow or rethink parts of the draft ordinance and to improve enforcement and permitting support.

Multiple speakers described a wide range of problems and concerns. Brick‑and‑mortar restaurateurs told the council they face unfair competition from unpermitted street vendors who do not pay business taxes or food‑safety fees; some said street vending has reduced their sales or left food unsold. Small‑business owners asked for consistent, city‑led enforcement that follows complaints and for faster processes to get vendor carts certified. Several speakers who operate—or represent—street vendors said most vendors are trying to comply, but many lack clear information and face financial obstacles to buying compliant carts and securing permits; they called for more outreach and training rather than punitive fee increases.

Other public commenters urged restraint in using the proposed ordinance’s broad language: they noted state law (including SB 948 and related statutes) restricts local governments from imposing rules that single out street vendors when other businesses engage in comparable activity. Several community advocates and vendors asked the council to broaden permitting opportunities, create designated vending zones, and fund vendor assistance programs rather than raising fines or adopting sweeping time restrictions that would curtail nighttime vending during peak weekends.

City staff confirmed the draft ordinance presented that day was at introduction only and that the council would be asked to consider the ordinance’s next steps at a later hearing. The clerk noted the item is scheduled to return on Oct. 30. Staff and the city attorney did not propose immediate enforcement changes on Oct. 16; rather, the council and staff discussed outreach, enforcement workloads and legal constraints.

Speakers asked the city to publish an after‑hours code‑enforcement email and to clarify the complaint process; staff reported that afterhourscodeenforcement@fresno.gov is available and suggested the city’s app for reporting issues. Multiple vendors said that city assistance to help them obtain permitted carts and temporary food permits would reduce noncompliance and enhance public safety. Council members asked staff to consider enforcement staffing and whether proposed changes could expose the city to state‑law conflicts.

The council did not act on the ordinance on Oct. 16; it will return for final consideration on Oct. 30. In the meantime, city staff said they will compile information requested by councilmembers, including enforcement protocols, legal constraints under state law, and possible vendor assistance programs.