Atlanta City Council Passes Mayor Reed’s Public Property Vending Ordinance

New program establishes uniform set of rules and regulations related to vending in the public right of way which are fair and equitable

ATLANTA – November 5, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) –In an 11-2 vote, the Atlanta City Council adopted Mayor Kasim Reed’s ordinance to create a new public property vending program. Today’s vote establishes the rules and parameters for all kiosk and mobile cart vending on the city’s sidewalks.

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The new vending program was modeled after best-in-class vending programs around the country and is designed to provide an amenity for pedestrians while enhancing the overall appearance and environment along public streets. This program will provide economic development opportunities for small entrepreneurs in the city, without disadvantaging traditional brick and mortar retail outlets.

“I am pleased with the Council’s vote today in support of a new vending program that will expand small business opportunities, while preventing our public spaces from being turned into ‘swap meets,’” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “In six months, my administration solved a problem that was years in the making. A thorough and thoughtful analysis of the situation has allowed us to craft a fair and equitable vending program.”

The ordinance establishes rules around kiosk and mobile-cart appearance, cost and administration, saleable items, permissible locations and enforcement. Vending will be permitted only from official kiosks and mobile carts. Other than in official kiosks and carts, vending will be prohibited from tables, semi-permanent or permanent structures. The new fee structure provides for an annual permit fee of $75 required of all vendors and an annual maintenance fee of $2500/year required for kiosk vendors.

Vending will be allowed in 19 permanent kiosk locations throughout downtown and through mobile vending carts in 12 additional downtown locations. Additional locations to be phased into the program include spots along the Atlanta Beltline and spaces established through an assessment of the city’s right-of-way space. Vending will not be permitted at MARTA locations. Details on the program and permit application forms can be found online at www.atlantaga.gov/vending.

“The city’s new vending program is based on solid research into best vending practices around the country and informed by feedback from our ongoing conversation with many of the city’s existing vendors, downtown business leaders and residents,” said Chief Operating Officer Duriya Farooqui. “This program strikes the right balance in supporting small-scale entrepreneurs and contributing to the vitality of Atlanta’s streets.”

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta. Follow Mayor Reed on Facebook and Twitter @Kasim Reed

Contact:
Carlos Campos, Interim Director
404-330-6558, office
404-617-5073, cell

Melissa Mullinax, Sr. Communications Officer
404-330-6756 (office)
404-825-2430 (cell)