Hauling Contractor for Code Enforcement Support

The City of Lake Forest is a contract city and therefore, does not have the resources to carryout large hauling work outside of current operations undertaken by Public Works. As is the case in many cities, Lake Forest experienced an influx of unpermitted sidewalk vendors, including illegal street food vendors. The Lake Forest enforcement team actively enforces the Lake Forest Municipal Code (LFMC) and the Health Code. The City continually collaborates with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) and other agencies to enforce regulations and educate vendors on obtaining the necessary permits (if possible) and conducts confiscations of unpermitted cooking equipment when necessary. The enforcement team is made up of personnel from the City (and on occasion OCHCA) and private security.

A specialized hauling contractor is needed to manage the transport of seized unpermitted equipment from vendors. In support of code enforcement activities, these confiscated items, which may consist of large/bulky cooking equipment items including cooktops, generators, and propane tanks, must be hauled to a City impound space located within the City boundaries. The selected contractor will be responsible for dismantling, collecting, and hauling away street vendor equipment, as directed by the code enforcement team. The confiscated equipment will need to be securely and efficiently transported to the designated impoundment facilities (typically 3-5 miles) where they will be unloaded.

While enforcement has successfully reduced vending operations, there may be 2 to 3 food vendors set up illegally. The code enforcement team schedules enforcement operations in coordination with security officers on a daily basis. The code enforcement team makes contact and issues warning. If a vendor doesn't comply, the team initiates the confiscation process wherein the contract hauler must be present with hauling vehicle(s) capable of transporting up to three loads (Refer to example in Attachment 1). Hauling needs are sporadic and are based on the continually changing circumstances, therefore, the hauler must be flexible.

Additionally, the Code Enforcement Division also undertakes abatement enforcement activities wherein a hauler is needed to transport items. These items may consist of large and bulky items, such as unused furniture, vegetation, and other debris.

The City is seeking a hauler who understands the sensitive nature of these tasks and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and discretion. We invite proposals from vendors who are ready to take on this challenge and aid the City of Lake Forest in its essential code enforcement operations.

Code Enforcement plays a crucial role in a City's mission to enhance, protect, and sustain the attributes that its residents and businesses value. The City's Code Enforcement Division is responsible for upholding and elevating the character, visual appeal, and property values by addressing violations of the Lake Forest Municipal Code (LFMC). This division works to upgrade the City's residential and commercial areas by enforcing codes related to public nuisances, property upkeep, zoning, construction, health, safety, and signage.

The Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (Senate Bill 946) enacted in 2018, is a California law that decriminalizes street vending and allows it under specific regulations. The City may, and has imposed regulations related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns. In all food vending operations, a permit from the OCHCA must first be obtained. However, hot food vendors on the street are typically unable to meet the health and safety requirements such as properly heating and cooling food, providing handwashing facilities, washing utensils and equipment, and disposing of used liquids. Other vendors, such as flowers, apparel, and other items, must obtain City vending permits through the Public Works Department.

When violations occur, the code enforcement team employs an educational approach to help residents and business owners promptly rectify the issue and prevent future infractions. Nevertheless, violations do happen. If individuals do not recognize the violation or fail to take timely corrective action, the code enforcement team has several escalating enforcement measures at their disposal. Recent unauthorized food vending activities in the City have necessitated the seizure of large or bulky equipment, which is then transported and impounded by the City.