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Cracking Down on Roadside Sales

2,419 views · Published 21 September 2012 · 3:03 · Indexed 6 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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by Karen Zatkulak  Newschannel 9 is taking a closer look at illegal vendors selling merchandise on the side of the road.  We learned most of them are not operating legally.  Wednesday, we were there as the city of Chattanooga's code enforcer cited several vendors.They're easy to spot as you drive through the city -- used merchandise lined up on the side of the road.  One vendor doesn't mind showing her face as she sells her stuff, but she doesn't want us to reveal her identity.  Even though she says her sales are legal.  "You have to have a permit here.  My mom got it for me."But even though she thinks she's legal, she probably only has a generic business license.  It doesn't allow her to sell along the side of city roads -- that takes another, special permit.Richard Hutsell says almost everyone selling as you drive by, is breaking the law.  "It's not permitted, it's not been legally permitted for a long time."But we found several.  One man on Tunnel Boulevard was selling shirts and sunglasses who wouldn't answer our questions about his permit.  Nearby, we found a pile of used merchandise left in a private lot.  We're told the stuff is out for sale most days.  City inspector Stacy Morrison says it's an eyesore, a danger to drivers, and illegal.  "Many times it has that appearance of people selling junk and stuff like that."  We were there Wednesday as Morrison busted several vendors on Bonny Oaks.  "I just wanted to let you know you are in violation for setting up and selling here."While one vendor understood he was in the wrong, another was angry he was getting shut down.  "I've been sitting here ten years and I have a thing in my pocket from the city says I can set up here."He wouldn't give his name, but got a correction notice.  As Morrison wrote citations, another sale went down, before all the merchandise was packed and the illegal vendors finally moved on.  "Again the correction notice is to cease immediately."City inspectors say the hard part is regulating the codes, since many vendors simply switch locations.  Their office has only two employees to crack down on the code enforcement, but they tell us you can help, by calling 311 to report any roadside sales.

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