The City of Columbia Business License Division is responsible for the licensing and franchising of Sidewalk Vendors in the City of Columbia.  Applications for Sidewalk Vending can be obtained at 1339 Main St., 1st Floor, Business License Division.  For additional information, please call 803-545-3345. 

Street Vendor Franchise questions:

1.  Sidewalk Vendor Franchise versus Peddler’s License?

Sidewalk Vendor is someone who intends to operate a cart, etc. on the Right-of-Way (ROW), which is generally a city sidewalk on a permanent basis.

Peddler’s License is someone who intends to operate a cart, etc. on private property with permission of the property owner in a mobile manner.  This does not require the franchise application.

2. Is the Sidewalk Vending Location available?  Check the most recent availability list (link below) to see if the location the applicant is interested in is still available. 
   1. What if the applicant wishes to apply for more than one location?  It is possible for the applicant to request consideration for alternate sites if the site chosen fails to be approved (1^st choice, 2^nd choice, etc).  However, if an applicant wishes to be approved for more than one site at a time, a separate franchise fee would need to be paid.
   2. What if the desired location is not available?  If the applicant does not find an available location he/she deems suitable, it is possible to request a different location, subject to City Council approval.  The locations deemed most acceptable are those that have a wide sidewalk Right-of-Way.  Best suggestion is to review the distancing requirements found on the application process form (link below). 

Sidewalk Vendors Ordinance.doc

Click here for Sidewalk Vendors application process

Click here for permitted merchandise