Mission Viejo continues to grapple with illegal food vendors posing a danger to City’s physical and economic safety
(Press Release Date: January 11, 2024)
The City continues to work with the Orange County Health Care Agency to halt illegal food stands in Mission Viejo, posing a danger to the public’s health and safety and impacting property owners and businesses that provide local jobs and contribute to the lifeblood of the community.
Throughout Orange County and Mission Viejo, these illegal food vendors continue to pop up and operate without proper health permits. After the Health Care Agency – with the assistance of the City and Sheriff’s Department – shutdown three illegal stands at Santa Margarita Parkway (Portola Plaza), Los Alisos Boulevard (Oaktree Plaza) and corner of Trabuco and Alicia (Smart & Final center) last week, those same vendors immediately resumed business.
“We are working to try to preserve the physical safety and economic safety of the community,” City Attorney Bill Curly said during a lengthy discussion of the issue on Tuesday.
At issue is that State laws relating to street vendors do not provide cities like Mission Viejo with local control. Pursuant to SB 946 and SB 972, the City cannot prohibit sidewalk vendors, apart from ensuring they leave a 4-foot pathway on the sidewalk for ADA. However, to legally operate, food vendors must obtain health permits and clearance from the Orange County HealthCare Agencyto prevent foodborne illnesses, ensure sanitary facilities with sinks and water tanks, etc.
These street vendors have been working without those valid public health permits and clearance, which is in violation of the County’s codes. In addition to dangerous food safety conditions, which pose an immediate health and safety concern to citizens, the City has received numerous complaints from property owners regarding trespassing; streets and sidewalks soiled with grease; damaged landscaping as well as grievances from local brick-and-mortar small business owners who see these vendors as unfriendly competition. The brick-and-mortar businesses must pay rent and utilities and at the same time create local jobs, which spurs economic development in Mission Viejo.
While the City continues to work with the Orange County Health Care Agency to enforce where possible, residents can contact the health department at ehealth@ochca.com
Source: city of mission viejo
