City of Alexandria
Proposed vendor spaces along the 3800 block of Mt. Vernon Ave.
The Planning Commission this week will be looking at whether setting aside a few spaces for street vending in the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood is in line with the area's master plan.
Street vending is already occurring, mostly in and around the 3800 block of Mount Vernon Avenue, but much of it isn't technically legal. Business owners have been concerned about vendors blocking sidewalks and parking illegally to sell items, according to staff outreach that happened in the summer and fall of 2024.
According to a city staff report, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City launched the Parklet Program to expand opportunities for retailers and restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for vending. However, the program does not specifically permit vendors without an adjacent brick-and-mortar location to sell in the public right-of-way, though many continue to do so."
The new program, which would likely go before City Council in February, would be a one-year pilot program. The program would allow vendors to "sell whole, uncut produce and/or limited small non-food items in designated on-street spaces." Moving vendors to five street spaces would prevent vendors from blocking the sidewalk and create consistency. Vendors would also be required to get the proper permits and follow health and safety rules.
A dedicated program manager would help ensure compliance and be a liaison between businesses, vendors and more.
