Under the ordinance, vendors who violate the rules could be fined $500 per violation. If a vendor's permit is suspended due to repeated violations, they could lose their license for a year. The council, however, voted against imposing criminal penalties for violators.

Council member JD Mazuera Arias cast the lone dissenting vote. Council members LaWana Mayfield and James Mitchell Jr. were absent from the meeting.

The decision follows months of debate over how to regulate street vending, which had been banned in NoDa and Uptown but allowed elsewhere. Supporters of the citywide ban argued it was needed to create a consistent framework and address concerns about congestion and safety. Critics, including some vendors, have raised questions about the impact on livelihoods and the fairness of restricting vending to areas controlled by a private nonprofit.

The new rules take effect immediately, though the city has not yet detailed how permits will be issued or how pre-approved spaces will be designated. Vendors who currently operate without a permit will need to apply through the city or Center City Partners to continue selling in public spaces.

The vote marks a significant shift in Charlotte's approach to street commerce, balancing public space management with economic opportunity for small-scale entrepreneurs. City officials have said they will provide outreach to affected vendors in the coming weeks.