The ordinance, which takes effect upon adoption, prohibits merchandise sales on streets and sidewalks throughout Charlotte, with some exceptions. Previously, the geographic restriction applied only to the congested business, coliseum, and stadium districts.

Newspapers and magazines are excluded from the citywide prohibition. The ordinance addresses vending on public streets and sidewalks; it does not say all vending on private property is prohibited.

Under the new rules, vendors must have a permit and set up in an area pre-approved by Center City Partners. Violators could face a $500 fine per violation. If a vendor’s permit is suspended due to too many violations, they could lose their license for a year.

A third violation within 30 days while selling items other than food may result in a Class 3 misdemeanor charge. The ordinance makes a criminal charge an option, not automatic. Food sales are not included in that specific misdemeanor provision, though food vendors remain subject to other city rules and civil penalties.

The measure also creates a framework for permitted peddlers’ marketplaces on streets and sidewalks outside the congested business district, coliseum district, stadium district, and NoDa Market. A city marketplace coordinator would establish a process for creating additional vending malls, provide applications, collect a reasonable application fee, and make recommendations. A designated city department would decide whether to issue or deny permits. The proposal does not specify a fee amount.

Vendor locations could be assigned by lottery, on a first-come, first-served basis, or through another approved process. The proposal does not say where or when new marketplaces would open.

Properly licensed peddlers can apply for permits to sell merchandise in the congested business district during a city- or county-sponsored or sanctioned market, festival, or similar event. Applicants must submit permit requests to the event sponsor, who may select vendors and assign locations but must establish fair guidelines and an appeal process.

City officials began reviewing potential changes after former Mayor Vi Lyles requested a review in April 2025. The Safety Committee unanimously recommended the revisions in June 2026, and the full council received a staff update in September.

The changes come as Charlotte continues to grapple with how to balance economic opportunity for street vendors with concerns about congestion and public safety. The ordinance’s passage marks a significant expansion of city oversight over an industry that has operated with fewer restrictions in many parts of the city.