Monterey City Council votes to modify sidewalk vending rules.

For years, the foot of Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey has come to resemble an outdoor mall. You can find anything from potted plants to handmade jewelry to a “Let’s Go Brandon” flag from the entrepreneurs who set up and take down their mobile, outdoor storefronts daily. On weekends, the area is bustling with hundreds of customers.

It’s a phenomenon that began in 2019, after the Monterey City Council passed an ordinance establishing local sidewalk vending rules, in compliance with a 2018 state law. “Sidewalk vending provides important entrepreneurship and economic development opportunities to low-income and immigrant communities,” SB 946 states. “Sidewalk vending contributes to a safe and dynamic public space.”

But the concept grew so much, with an average of 33 sidewalk vending applications per year, that by 2024, Monterey city officials were hearing concerns about negative impacts, such as aesthetics, obstructing pedestrian travel on the Rec Trail and competition for brick-and-mortar businesses.

By early 2025, Monterey City Council was looking to amend its sidewalk vending ordinance, with a maximum of 32 square feet per vendor – with space for just 13 at the foot of the wharf, with no customer seating allowed, among other restrictions. Business representatives from Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row voiced support; vendors argued it would destroy livelihoods.

Vendors showed up to deliver impassioned remarks to council on Tuesday, Aug. 5. “Everyone I talk to loves us, and the handmade art we sell,” said caricature artist Brian Iglesias. “We’ve never done anything wrong. Without us, people aren’t going to have as many reasons to come spend their money in Monterey.”

Despite the emotional pleas, Council voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance. “It’s disappointing to see how we got here, that there wasn’t a greater opportunity to collaborate and find common ground,” Mayor Tyller Williamson said. He added they are open to revisiting the topic in the future.

Note: The headline of this story has been updated from the print version that implied sidewalk vending at the foot of the wharf would end under the modified ordinance. It will shrink the number and square footage in that area, as detailed in the story.