Charlotte leaders OK new rules on NoDa street vending. When will things change?
The sidewalks of a popular Charlotte neighborhood will soon look different as the city plans to impose new restrictions on street vending later this summer.
The Charlotte City Council voted unanimously Monday to make the heart of NoDa a “congested business district,” a designation that bans street vending without a permit. As part of the vote, the city will establish the “NoDa Street Market,” a pilot program for permitted vending in the neighborhood known for its artsy vibe.
The decision comes after some business owners in NoDa spoke out about concerns with safety and accessibility. They said vendors at times block sidewalks, take business away, sell food without health inspections and engage in “turf wars” that have escalated to violence.
Vendors say they’re an integral part of what attracts people to the arts and entertainment district.
Multiple council members said they’re hopeful the new strategy will help bring harmony between the business owners and vendors.
“This is not to drive any street vendors out of business. That is not our intent,” Council member Dimple Ajmera said. “It’s to create a structured environment so that brick-and-mortar businesses as well as street vendors can coexist and add value to the unique character of the NoDa neighborhood.”
What to know about new NoDa street vending rules
City staff told council members Monday they hope to launch the NoDa pilot program at the end of July and run it for six months.
Staff estimated the new market will hold six to seven vendors, adding that different vendors could rotate through during the pilot period. The city is looking at four potential locations along N. Davidson Street between E. 34th and E. 36th streets.
Permitted vendors will be allowed to sell merchandise including clothing, jewelry and art. Permits will cost less than $100, but the exact cost hasn’t been set, city staff said.
The city will provide assistance and business counseling to vendors affected by the changes, staff said.
Council members also voted Monday to increase the fine for illegal street vending to a maximum of $500, up from the current range of $10 to $50. The higher fines will apply to the new congested business district in NoDa and the parts of uptown already designated as a congested business district.
More Charlotte City Council news
The City Council also voted unanimously Monday to put $8 million into renovations to Symphony Park.
Located at the corner of Barclay Downs Drive and Carnegie Boulevard adjacent to SouthPark Mall, the park is home to events including the SouthPark After Five concert series and the Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops series.
SouthPark Community Partners previously told council members the renovation plans include a new plaza, a renovated band shell, two new restaurants, retail space, children’s play areas, public art and public restrooms. The project will also connect Symphony Park to the SouthPark Loop urban trail through a new trail segment and bridges.
In addition to the city’s contribution, SouthPark Community Partners plans to raise $5 million to support the project, and SouthPark Mall owner Simon Property Group will contribute $8 million.
Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2026 and conclude by the summer of 2027.
Council members also voted 6-3 Monday to remove Tesla from the list of potential vendors for the city to buy 45 new electric vehicles from. Charlotte’s new 2025-26 budget includes $2.5 million to buy 45 electric and 155 hybrid vehicles for the city’s fleet.
Council member LaWana Mayfield previously floated excluding the company, owned by controversial billionaire Elon Musk, during the council’s budget vote. She made the motion Monday to remove Tesla from the list of vendors to be considered for the vehicle purchases.
Council members Ed Driggs and Edwin Peacock III, the council’s lone Republicans, joined Ajmera in voting against removing Tesla from consideration. Driggs accused Mayfield of being motivated by politics, which she denied.
Mayfield said she was driven by concerns about the company’s vehicle quality, noting it’s faced lawsuits. She acknowledged the city has bought Teslas before but said there are now more companies selling electric vehicles to choose from.
Monday’s meeting marked the City Council’s final meeting before their July recess. The next scheduled council meeting is Aug. 4.
This story was originally published June 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
