The Santa Clarita City Council approved the final step for Vista Canyon and Needham Ranch, as well as the first step to regulating the recently legalized street vending within city limits.

During Tuesday’s meeting, city council members unanimously voted in favor to approve the final track map for Needham Ranch, a commercial development in Newhall, and Vista Canyon, a mixed-use project in Canyon Country.

Approval of the final track maps for both developments was the final hurdle before contractors and developers can rightfully complete construction at both project sites.  

The first housing units at the Vista Canyon development are planned to be available for occupancy by 2019; however, development is scheduled to continue until 2022, according to officials.

The Center at Needham Ranch has already begun Phase 1 of construction by raising the initial walls of the development, according to officials.

Related: Santa Clarita To Discuss Last Steps For Needham Ranch, Vista Canyon

The final item discussed at the meeting dealt with amending the City’s municipal standards to be in compliance with Senate Bill 946, which was put into place to legalize sidewalk vending throughout the state.

Through this amendment, the city is able to require some of its own guidelines, including permits.

During the period of public comment, one College of the Canyons student spoke out in further defense of low-income vendors who may not be able to afford permits.

“Vendors are often low-income individuals,” said Sebastian Cazares. “Can they really afford $400? It seems like a general deterrence to regular street vendors.”

Related: Santa Clarita City Council To Regulate Street Vending Following Statewide Legalization

Multiple councilmembers also voiced their concerns and stated their belief that permits ensure the safety of Santa Clarita residents.

“Whatever we end up finally charging for permits and licensing is going to have to reflect what the increased cost (is) to pay for people to actually check (vendors),” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “Because I don’t want people to get sick off unprotected, unchecked food vendors.”

Fines for violating the ordinance vary from $100 to $1,000, depending on the number of concurrent penalties an individual has received.

The bill legalizing street vending in California is set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

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