Port Hears from Public on Proposed Ordinances For Entertainers, Vendors

Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Contact: John Gilmore (619) 686-6222

The Port of San Diego has received dozens of public comments that now will be considered as it updates three ordinances that regulate entertainers and vendors on land surrounding San Diego Bay.

More than 40 people, including port tenants, entertainers and vendors who sell jewelry and other items, attended a public meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, to offer their suggestions and concerns. It was the second public meeting on the planned update of the rules.

•  Port Code (9.95 MB) (See Sections 8.02, 8.04, 8.05)
•  Vendor & Entertainer Permit public feedback, Oct. 4, 2011 (34.08 kB)

Some members of the public want the port to limit the number of permits. Others want to know the specific areas where entertainers and vendors will be allowed. Many just want to know what the rules are.

Jim Hutzelman, manager of community services in the port's Business Development & Marketing Department, said a number of changes have occurred along the waterfront and adjacent land, and the regulations need to be updated to reflect the activities that take place today.

Along the San Diego waterfront, for instance, the San Diego Convention Center has been expanded, and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the port's Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier have opened. In addition, San Diego's downtown has witnessed the opening of Petco Park and an increase in residents.

Hutzelman said one of the key goals of the update is to clarify the ordinances so that they specify the types of activities that are allowed, and the locations where those activities can occur. He said the goal of the ordinances is to support an active, vibrant and safe waterfront in a fair and equitable manner.

Drafts of the ordinances are expected to be ready for review in November. The port will post the draft ordinances on its website – portofsandiego.org - and copies will be available for review in the port District Clerk's office, 3165 Pacific Highway (map).

In December, there will be additional public meetings to gather comments on the proposed measures.

In addition to the meetings, the public can send the port comments via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In early 2012, the ordinances will be presented to the Board of Board Commissioners for its review. The ordinances would take effect 30 days after they are approved by the Board.

The Port of San Diego was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested $1.7 billion in public improvements in its five member cities: Imperial Beach, San Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista and National City.

The Port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 17 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.