Title
Street Vending Ordinance Revision
Action
Action:
Approve amendments to City Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Article VIII - Peddlers and Article X - Tryon Street Mall Vendors.
Body
Committee Chair:
Victoria Watlington, Housing, Safety, and Community Committee
Staff Resource(s):
Shawn Heath, City Manager's Office
Charlie Jones, Transportation
Current Ordinance
* On April 28, 2025, the Mayor asked the Housing, Safety and Community (HSC) 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.
* A public input session was held on May 22, 2025, to gain perspectives and concerns from stakeholders. Participants included small businesses, residents, and street vendors.
* Two main issues identified are 1) frequent ordinance violations with limited enforcement tools in the Congested Business District, and 2) growing challenges related to street vending in high-density areas with relatively narrow sidewalks.
* Street Vending is governed by city ordinance Chapter 6 Businesses and Trades Article VIII. - Peddlers, and Article X. - Tryon Street Mall Vendors.
* Street vending is unlawful within the Congested Business District, except for the Tryon Street Mall program that allows street vending with a permit at an assigned location.
* Street Vending violations in the Congested Business District currently fall under city code of ordinances ARTICLE II. - ENFORCEMENT AND APPEALS, Sec. 2-21. - General penalty; additional remedies. Subsection (a):
* Unless otherwise provided or prohibited by applicable law, any person violating any section of this Code or any ordinance of the city may be assessed a fine in accordance with G.S. 14-4 and G.S. 160A-175 in an amount not to exceed $50.00.
* Street vending violations in the Tryon Street Mall area currently fall under city code of ordinances AR...
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