AGENDA TITLE:
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Discussion and Direction Regarding Potential Amendment to Lodi Municipal Code Section 9.18.045 (Vendor Permit Caps) (CD)
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MEETING DATE:
April 15, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Cynthia Marsh, Interim Community Development Director
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Conduct a discussion and provide direction to staff regarding a potential amendment to Lodi Municipal Code (LMC) Section 9.18.045 to modify existing vendor permit caps.
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BACKGROUND:
LMC Section 9.18.045 establishes limits on the number of vendor permits allowed within the City of Lodi based on population. Currently, subsection 9.18.045(A)(1) allows one (1) motorized food preparation unit per 2,800 residents, which equates to 25 (rounded) permitted vendors citywide based on the 2024 Census of 68,642 population. Separately, subsection (A)(2) allows for produce/seafood trucks at one per 20,500 residents. The actual 2025 population is estimated to be closer to 69,192 based on World Population Review data, which maintains an allowable motorized food preparation maximum at 25 vendors. Pop-up vendors and carts are regulated separately, and do not fall under the motorized food vendor category.
The Community Development Department (CDD), through its Community Improvement Division, administers vendor permits and enforces compliance. In recent months, staff has observed a notable increase in vendor permit applications. The current waitlist has grown to approximately 10 vendors, with additional applications anticipated.
Due to the restrictive cap, staff routinely turns away otherwise qualified vendors. Based on direct feedback from both permitted and unpermitted vendors, the limited number of available permits may be contributing to an increase in unpermitted vending activity within the City.
ISSUES:
Unpermitted vendor activity presents several challenges, including:
• Potential public health and safety risks, particularly for food-related vendors operating without proper inspection or oversight;
• Increased enforcement demands on Community Improvement staff; and
• Inequitable conditions for permitted vendors who comply with City regulations.
Additionally, staff research indicates that several neighboring jurisdictions, including Stockton, Lathrop, and Galt, do not impose vendor caps, instead relying on operational and safety regulations to manage vending activity.
DISCUSSION:
To address these issues, staff is seeking City Council direction on potential amendments to LMC Section 9.18.045. Options for consideration include:
• Option 1: Maintain the current cap (status quo).
• Option 2: Increase the cap to one (1) vendor per 1,500 residents (approximately 46 vendors).
• Option 3: Increase the cap to one (1) vendor per 1,350 residents (approximately 51 vendors).
• Option 4: Eliminate the vendor cap entirely and regulate vendors through permitting, safety, and operational standards.
Increasing or eliminating the cap may improve compliance rates, reduce unpermitted activity, and better align with regional practices, while continuing to ensure public health and safety through existing regulatory requirements.
NEXT STEPS:
If directed by the City Council, staff will return with a formal ordinance amendment for consideration.