§ 17-5. Mobile vending zones.

(a) Designation.

(1) In general.

After public notice has been provided to area business and neighborhood organizations, the Director of Transportation may designate spaces on City streets or other public property as "mobile vending zones" for the exclusive use of mobile vendors during designated hours.

(2) Required considerations.

A proposed designation under paragraph (1) of this subsection must contain an assessment of the zone's potential impact on:

(i) vehicular and pedestrian traffic, including any impediment to ingress to and egress from established businesses;

(ii) public safety and health;

(iii) parking in the area; and

(iv) area residents and businesses.

(3) Restriction on zones near schools.

No mobile vending zone may be designated within 2 blocks of the grounds of any building used as a public or private kindergarten, elementary school, or secondary school.

(b) Time-limited zones.

The mobile vending zones designated under this section may be set aside for the use of mobile vendors at all times or for specified times, dates, and days.

The Department of Transportation may temporarily relocate or suspend mobile vending zones at any time due to emergencies or to further public safety, public health interests, or City operations.

(d) Signage.

Mobile vending zones designated under this section must be marked by clear signs that specify the hours and times during which the zones are reserved for the exclusive use of mobile vendors.

(e) Rules and regulations.

The rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle must:

(1) establish a process and timeline for requesting, establishing, assigning, and removing mobile vending zones; and

(2) require a public hearing, as well as provide an opportunity for the filing of written protests, before a mobile vending zone is designated.