CLEARWATER — Mobile vendors could soon sell their wares along the 400 and 500 blocks of Cleveland Street under a proposed exception to the city’s vending rules, part of a broader effort to bring new life to the downtown corridor.
The change is tied to the Cleveland Street Activation Initiative, a $500,000 program led by the Downtown Development Board and the Community Redevelopment Agency to revitalize the downtown core and sustain foot traffic.
“The city would like to help activate that area, so what this ordinance proposes is to make an exception that allows mobile vendors just in the 400 and 500 block of Cleveland Street,” interim City Attorney Owen Kohler said.
Before the exception can take effect, the City Council must pass a third reading of the ordinance, made necessary by an omission in the posted second reading.
Mobile vending historically has been banned in the public right of way and on city property outside permitted special events. The ordinance sets clear criteria and application procedures for limited commercial use of those spaces, Kohler said. Food trucks and vendors can still operate at authorized special events, provided organizers obtain city permits.
Assistant City Manager Alfred Battle said the ordinance puts “into ordinance form the ability for vendors to do their thing in the right of way ... in a legal way.” He described it as a day-to-day test of the concept.
“We don’t know how many we’ll get. We don’t know how many days a week people will take advantage of it, but it will create the opportunity,” Battle told council members. “This will not compete with the restaurants. The goal is to have vendors providing services that you can’t get at a brick-and-mortar location.”
Battle said the program adds to the city’s toolkit for keeping downtown a draw. “I think this is a step further in building our tool kit to keep providing opportunities for downtown to continue to be a place for people to come and enjoy themselves,” he said.
Vending on private property, such as food trucks in parking lots, remains governed by separate land-development and zoning rules rather than the public-property ban. All mobile vendors must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect sales tax.
Under the ordinance, vendors operating on the two blocks must:
• Obtain a Downtown Mobile Vendor Right-of-Way Permit before operating.
• Stay mobile and readily movable at all times, with no anchoring, attached structures such as decking or pergolas, or removed axles.
• Leave the site and store their units off-site when not in operation.
• Remain attended at all times; outdoor speakers and amplified music are prohibited.
• Operate only during the days, hours and locations specified by the permit.
• Maintain ADA-compliant pedestrian clearance and keep sidewalks, fire lanes, hydrants and building access clear.
• Handle cleanliness and waste removal in their operating area.
The city may cap the number of vendors or approved locations based on capacity and operational needs.
The Downtown Development Board began recruiting participants in a June 2 Facebook post, inviting vendors offering artisan goods, handmade products, crafts, hobby items, retail merchandise and pop-up concepts. Businesses and artists can take part through the city’s Mobile Vendor Right-of-Way Program, which the board said allows operation in flexible, non-permanent spaces.
The initiative is expected to win final approval after the third reading at an upcoming council meeting.