Downtown Boone Street Vending Information

Overview:

Due to various concerns, including but not limited to pedestrian safety and aesthetic issues, the Downtown Boone Development Association has recommended a street vending ordinance to Town Council that would regulate itinerant street vending on streets or sidewalks in downtown Boone. This ordinance was developed with input from downtown vendors, businesses, and other community partners. This ordinance applies to all town-owned property and town-maintained public rights of way, such as sidewalks or streets, in Downtown Boone.  The Ordinance was approved unanimously by Town Council at their July 12, 2023 meeting and will be effective beginning on July 27, 2023.  

The proposed ordinance does not apply to buskers/performers or private property. 

Vending Spaces:

This policy applies only within the Municipal Service District in Downtown Boone.  Itinerant street vending will only be allowed at certain sites located on the sidewalk in front of the downtown Post Office.

Permit Required:

To vend downtown, street vendors will need to submit an application to the Town Clerk, Nicole Harmon, at nicole.harmon@townofboone.net, with contact information, information regarding remitting sales tax, and approval from the NC Department of Agriculture or the Watauga County Health Department if needed.  Permits will be issued yearly, cost $100 and must be visible at all times.

Certain Merchandise Prohibited:

The intention of this policy is to avoid sales in the nature of "flea sales" or "yard sales."  Vendors may not sell used clothing, personal effects, home furnishings or similar used merchandise.  In addition, Vendors may not cook food, or otherwise prepare food using a heat source, at a vending stand. 

Special Events:

When special events are held in the downtown area, the town manager may determine that street vending shall not be allowed under the ordinance but instead will be prohibited or will be allowed only as permitted by the sponsor of the event.