Swap Meets — Swap Lots

San Diego Municipal Code ch. 3, art. 3, div. 32

in effect

San Diego Municipal Code § 33.3200 Definitions

§33.3200 Definitions For the purpose of this Division, the following terms are defined: (a) “Swap Lot” is a building, structure, enclosure, lot or other area into which members of the public at large are invited or allowed to offer for sale, sell, exchange, display, barter or bargain for new or used merchandise. (b) “Swap Meet” is the activity as defined by Business and Professions Code section 21661 carried on in a swap lot. (c) “Owner” or “Operator” of a swap lot or swap meet is the person, persons, association, partnership, corporation, or licensee who controls the admission, directly or through agents, of persons and merchandise into the swap lot. (d) “Seller” shall mean a member of the public at large who enters a swap lot to offer for sale, sell, exchange, display, barter or bargain his merchandise therein. (Amended 2–23–1987 by O–16812 N.S.)

San Diego Municipal Code § 33.3204 Trading Area — Regulation

§33.3204 Trading Area — Regulation No person shall operate a swap meet without a police permit. All swap meets shall be conducted only in a building, structure, or in an area enclosed by a fence which is sufficient to enable the owner or operator to control effectively the ingress and egress of persons and merchandise. (Amended 2–23–1987 by O–16812 N.S.)

San Diego Municipal Code § 33.3205 Inspection by Public Safety Officers

§33.3205 Inspection by Public Safety Officers All merchandise, booths and trading areas shall be arranged so that fire, police, health, and other public officials may have access for inspection at all times during hours of operation. (Amended 7–28–1976 by O–11871 N.S.)

San Diego Municipal Code § 33.3207 False Information — Penalty

§33.3207 False Information — Penalty The furnishing of false information by anyone, where information is required by the provisions of this Division, shall constitute a violation of this Division. (“False Information — Penalty” added 7–28–1976 by O–11871 N.S.)

San Diego Municipal Code § 33.3208 Exemptions

§33.3208 Exemptions Sections 33.3204 through 33.3205 of this Division shall not apply to any person who operates a swap meet or swap lot primarily for the purpose of permitting members of the public at large to offer for sale or sell used motor vehicles, trailers or boats which are registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Notwithstanding the exemption as herein provided, any peace officer shall have free access to such swap lot and swap meet for the purposes of reasonable inspection. (“Exemptions” added 11–24–1976 by O–11957 N.S.)

Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter03/Ch03Art03Division32.pdf#page=1Fetched: 10/28/2026