• Submitted by: manso
• Business and Economy
• 03 / 12 / 2011

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Hawkers are warned not to create urban blight. A word of caution to street vendors: Be neat. An article in Friday's Granma reminds self-employed entrepreneurs that, if they sell wares or food on city streets, they must observe the laws of both zoning and esthetics.

Before turning public spaces "into chaotic marketplaces," vendors need to get a license from the Institute of Physical Planning, the newspaper says. Most importantly, they must read and apply the IPP regulations.

The zoning laws (which newly established vendors apparently ignore or flout) range from the legal use of space and materials to the proper form of advertising signs.

For example, construction materials must be legally obtained, the article says, and shops or kiosks set up on porches, gardens and garages must be easily removable. Access to, and egress from, buildings must not be impeded.

When it comes to signs, "urban graphics must be coherent and attractive while advertising a service. Without trying to be exquisite, a minimum standard of design is required."

Those who violate the rules are subject to fines and their structures to demolition, the IPP warns.

"Any activity can be carried out for the benefit of the city without damaging its image," the Granma article concludes. Havana authorities "are absolutely not trying to hinder development but to find ways to make our city look nice, clean and harmonious while enabling the development and improvement of services."

Source: //miamiherald.typepad.com/cuban_colada/2011/03/