Columbia Conducting business in streets, sidewalks, etc ordinance (§ 24-4)
Chapter 24: Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places · Article I. In General
In short: Selling or displaying goods for sale, or doing any business, on a street, public place or sidewalk is a misdemeanor, except for newspapers and pamphlets (but not magazines). Businesses on public sidewalks in the central business district are allowed if they follow licensing and health rules.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Whoever shall, upon any street, public place or sidewalk, expose or offer any merchandise or other property for show or sale, by auction or otherwise, except newspapers and pamphlets other than magazines, or conduct any business whatsoever, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor unless those persons are conducting business on public sidewalks in the central business district and have complied with the business licensing and health ordinances and regulations, where applicable.
(b) "Central business district" shall mean that area set out in section 24-86 of this Code.
(c) These provisions shall not be construed to affect or abrogate section 24-2, prohibiting the erection of structures in city rights-of-way.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 24-4
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.