Title
Peddlers Ordinance Amendments
Action
Action:
Adopt an ordinance to:
A. Amend Chapter 6, Article VIII of the City Code of Ordinances to prohibit peddling upon any of the streets and sidewalks of the city, other than exceptions contained in Section 6-436,
B. Amend City Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 to add Article XIV - Peddlers’ Marketplace Program, and
C. Amend Chapter 6, Article VIII and Chapter 6, Article X of City Code of Ordinances to establish a criminal penalty option for any person who violates a provision of these articles (other than the sale of food) for a third time within thirty days.
Body
Committee Chair:
Danté Anderson, Safety Committee
Staff Resource(s):
Jessica Battle, City Attorney’s Office
Shawn Heath, City Manager’s Office
Charlie Jones, Transportation
Current Ordinance
§ Peddling, also referred to as “street vending,” is governed by Chapter 6 of the Charlotte City Code of Ordinances.
§ Street vending without a permit is prohibited in the Congested Business District (CBD), which covers the majority of Uptown.
§ Peddling violations may be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $500.
Proposed Changes
§ The recommended amendments to the Peddlers Ordinance would:
- Prohibit street vending in city limits, except as prescribed in Section 6-436;
- Establish a peddling market process to be administered by city staff, that may be delegated to third-party non-profits, to locate, establish, and facilitate additional vending malls in the city limits; and
- Add a criminal penalty for third violations within 30 days, for selling any items other than food.
Background
§ On April 28, 2025, Former Mayor Vi Lyles asked the Housing, Safety, and Community Committee to consider policy and/or ordinance considerations that may be needed to strengthen the city’s ability to ensure street vendors and peddlers contribute to a safe and vibrant atmosphere, including the fine structure for illegal vending.
§ The Housing, Safety, and Community Committee discussed potential updates to the city’s street vending regulations at its May 5 and June 2, 2025, Committee Meetings.
§ Upon the beginning of a new Council term, the Safety Committee took up the issue and continued to discuss potential ordinance revisions at its January 5, February 5, March 5, and June 1, 2026, Committee Meetings.
§ On June 1, 2026, the Safety Committee voted unanimously to recommend the proposed revisions to the Peddlers Ordinance to full Council for consideration.
§ On September 28, 2026, the Council received a staff update regarding the current state of street vending, including a consideration to expand regulation of street vending city-wide and to establish a criminal penalty option for chronic offenders.
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Ordinance
Ordinance Revisions