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Pittsburgh City Council

Vendors may be back on the sidewalks again.

Written by Amy Whipple

For $135, small vendors might be able to sell food and merchandise on sidewalks and in parking spaces, as long as they pay for metered parking.

The Planning Department, working with the departments of Permits and Licensing (PLI), and Mobility and Infrastructure presented proposed changes to the city code regarding outdoor retail sales and services. A memo from David Green, director of PLI, said the three departments have developed legislation for more permissive vending regulations to align “with the goals of the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan, particularly the ‘Just Transition’ initiative focused on economic opportunity and urban vibrancy.” The final plan has not been presented to the public yet.

The standout amendment expands vendor sales to private property with a $135 annual permit.

According to a memo from the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections, Pittsburgh has a significantly lower number of active vendors compared to peer cities.

The proposed changes would prioritize permits for existing storefront businesses to use space outside of their establishment. Deputy director of city planning Andrew Dash said an existing competition clause in the vending ordinance disallows vendors within 100 feet of a similar business.

Council members Anthony Coghill of Beechview and Theresa Kail-Smith of Westwood said they didn’t want the change to hurt storefront businesses, while Deb Gross of Highland Park pointed to the success of vendor expansion in some neighborhoods.

The legislation does not state how the permits would be enforced. Council Member Barb Warwick of Greenfield suggested that it should be in place ahead of the NFL draft next spring.

Members of council decided to hold the vending legislation in committee for two more weeks.

Connections to this story

Elected officials:
Anthony Coghill
Topics:
Economic Development
Governments:
Pittsburgh City Council
Public meetings:
City Council · October 28, 2025
Sources:
Ordinance 2025-2149 — amending the Pittsburgh Code, Title Nine: Zoning Code, Article V: Use Regulations, Chapter 911: Primary Uses and…Ordinance 2025-2150 — amending and supplementing the City Code at Title Seven, Business Licensing, Article III, Sales Businesses, Chapter…

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