Charlotte, NC Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Article X of Chapter 6 creates a standalone permit scheme for the Tryon Street Mall, expressly carved out as an exception to the general peddler rules in Article VIII (Section 6-511(7)). Section 6-512 limits its reach to the streets, sidewalks and public property within the mall, which Section 6-513 defines as Tryon and Trade Street frontage from Stonewall Street to Eighth Street. That section also defines "food" narrowly as solid food and nonalcoholic beverages sold by the piece or individual serving, which must strictly comply with county environmental health rules, and defines a vendor's "stand" as an unlicensed, nonmotorized pushcart or pedal-powered cart.

Administration runs through Charlotte Center City Partners (CCCP): Section 6-514 lets CCCP recommend review regulations to city council covering design, materials, health and food-handling standards and site maps, while the city department retains sole authority to grant or deny permits. Section 6-515 has locations assigned by lottery, first-come-first-served, or another fair method, weighing proximity to street furniture and other vendors to avoid congestion. Section 6-516 is the operative permit mandate: it is unlawful to sell food, beverages, merchandise or anything else on the mall without complying with the article and holding a permit, though news vending machines are exempt.

Section 6-517 sets the application requirements: applicant and business information, a description and photo of the goods and stand, three recent photographs of anyone who will sell, proof of general liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $100,000 for property damage, a nonrefundable application fee, and proof of any required business privilege license. Section 6-518 gives the department 45 days from a complete application to approve or deny it, with written reasons required for any denial, and the resulting permit is non-transferable.