GRANTS PASS — Mobile food vendors will not be able to operate on any Grants Pass sidewalks under an ordinance approved by the City Council last week.

The ordinance does establish on-street food vending zones and sets aside a portion of the city-owned parking lot behind the downtown post office where the Growers' Market operates on Saturdays on a seasonal basis.

Vendors will no longer be allowed to park curbside along Sixth Street in downtown, which has been one of the most popular locations. The new regulations do not affect vendors parked on private property.

The new rules go into effect in 30 days.

The on-street food vending zones will be:

• The west side of Mill Street, between J Street and the driveway to Masterbrand Cabinets
• E Street between Ninth and Mill streets
• F Street between Ninth and Mill streets
• Ramsey Avenue between Nebraska and Union avenues, only where parking is allowed

In addition, about one-eighth of the city parking lot used by the Growers' Market on Saturdays would be available Monday through Friday.

Casting the votes were Council President Lily Morgan and councilors Darin Fowler, Jim Williams, Rick Riker, Dennis Webber and Woodburn. Councilors Dan DeYoung and Richard Michelon were absent.

Webber argued in favor of keeping a sidewalk zone and contended that a business operating in an alley could reduce crime and the number of undesirable people in the area.

He voted against the first reading of the ordinance. However, he voted for both the second reading and the ultimate passage.