Charlotte City Council expands street vending restrictions citywide

Charlotte City Council approved an ordinance to expand street vending restrictions across the city with an 8-1 vote, according to WBTV. The new rules prohibit merchandise sales on streets and sidewalks throughout Charlotte, extending previous limits that applied only to congested business, coliseum, and stadium districts.

The ordinance excludes newspapers and magazines from the citywide ban and allows licensed peddlers to apply for permits to sell merchandise during city- or county-sponsored events in the congested business district. Event sponsors will manage vendor selection and locations, with fair guidelines and an appeal process.

Outside the congested business, coliseum, stadium districts, and the NoDa Market, the ordinance creates a framework for permitted vending marketplaces. A city marketplace coordinator will handle applications, fees, and recommendations, while a city department will decide on permit issuance.

The proposal includes a possible criminal penalty for a third violation within 30 days for non-food merchandise sales. Food sales are not subject to this specific penalty, and the ordinance does not prohibit all vending on private property.

Details such as the fee amount for permits and the timing or locations for new marketplaces have not been specified in the ordinance.