- February 24, 2025
Rules set for itinerant vendors.
Wayne Grant
News Editor
The city moved toward more control of North U.S. 1 at a meeting earlier this month when it approved rules for itinerant merchants and outdoor entertainment that occur along the corridor during special events.
The city and Volusia County signed an Interlocal Agreement earlier this year, giving the city authority over the corridor, which is considered an important gateway into the city.
It was a first reading for the ordinance, and a second reading will be required for final approval.
Some of the properties along the road are only busy during special events with itinerant merchants. In the new regulations, properties with year-r0und business will be allowed to continue their vendor activities during special events, but those that are only busy during special events will only be able to continue for another five years.
The purpose of this change, according to city documents, is to encourage development of the properties.
“We’re going to make it look like Ormond Beach one day,” said City Commissioner Rick Boehm.
Boehm also congratulated City Attorney Randy Hayes in developing the ordinances.
Commissioner James Stowers called the regulations another milestone in bringing the corridor up to Ormond Beach standards, after four years of negotiations with the county.
“I think with pride about what has gone on the past five years,” he said. “Cheaters is gone … we’re annexing property from the county that previously controlled, or uncontrolled, this area.”
He said there are more changes to come and the gateway will continue to be a point of focus.
During special events, usually “bike” weeks, itinerant merchants set up entertainment and retail activities along the corridor. The new regulations grandfather in 15 properties along the corridor that have permanent structures, and they will be able to continue these activities.
Properties that do not have year-round businesses will be able to continue activities for the next five years only. These include the Broken Spoke Saloon, Boothill Saloon and the Moonshine Campground.
According to city documents, the purpose is to encourage the development of unimproved properties and revitalization of the corridor.
Also, bike washes will not be allowed, unless they are part of a permanent business.
The regulations state that if properties be improved with year-round businesses, re-establishment of itinerant vending activities could be permitted at the sole discretion of the City Commission.
The Interlocal Agreement gives the city control of the corridor, even though it is currently a mixture of county and city property. The city and county negotiated for four years before signing the agreement.
In addition to encouraging development, another reason for city control is that it is has been awkward enforcing laws and providing services in an area with mixed jurisdictions, officials have said in the past.
The city has assigned codes to the properties along the stretch similar to the county codes they were under previously.
The city also set fees for vendors during special events, which are generally lower than those previously charged by the county, according to Planning Director Rick Goss. About $50,000 should be brought in to city coffers in a year, which is expected to pay for filed inspections and administrative costs.
