AN ORDINANCE REGULATING FLEA MARKETS AND TEMPORARY MARKET OPERATIONS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS
SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of this Ordinance is to regulate the establishment and operation of flea markets, open-air markets, and similar temporary or recurring sales events within the City of Aliceville to ensure public safety, cleanliness, fair trade practices, and compatibility with surrounding land uses, while encouraging local entrepreneurship and community engagement.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
• Flea Market- Any open-air or indoor facility, lot, or building where space is rented, leased, or provided to individual vendors for the sale or exchange of new or used goods, wares, merchandise, or other personal property. Not to include occasional residential garage sales that occur no more than 4 times in a year.
• Vendors- Any individual or entity offering goods for sale at a flea market, whether as owner, operator, or lessee of a booth, table, or space.
• Operator- The individual, partnership, corporation, or organization responsible for managing, leasing, or organizing the flea market.
• Temporary Market- a market event lasting three (3) days or less, held no more than (4) times per year at the same location.
• Permanent Market- A market event held on a recurring basis (weekly or monthly) at the same location.
• Prohibited Items – Goods that are illegal to sell under state or federal law or items deemed a public health or safety risk by the city
• Property Owner – The record owner of the real property where the market is held
SECTION 3. PERMIT REQUIRED
No person, business, or organization shall operate or cause to be operated any flea market within the City without first obtaining a Flea Market Permit issued by the City Clerk’s Office upon approval by the City Council.
Permit Fees- The following fee schedule shall apply:
Types of Permit Duration Fee Amount
Temporary Flea Market Up to 3 consecutive days $150.00
Annual Flea Market Permit Valid for 12 Months $450.00
(License Year Starts January 1 – Ends December 31)
Vendor Registration Fee – Each participating vendor shall pay a $20.00 vendor registration fee to the market operator prior to setup. The operator shall remit all vendor fees to the City Clerk within five (5) business days of the event. Each vendor will receive decals that must be displayed at the event to verify their paid participation.
SECTION 4. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
All flea markets shall comply with the following conditions, including hours (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday), sanitation, parking, noise, and safety regulations, all of which apply and will be strictly enforced.
4.1 Setup may begin no earlier than 5:00 am, and all vendors must be off-site by 9:00 pm.
4.2 Sanitation
The operator must provide at least one thirty-gallon trash container for every five 5 vendor spaces. All trash, debris, and unsold merchandise must be removed from the site within 4 hours of the market closing. If City garbage cans are used, they will be picked up on the appropriate day.
4.4 Prohibited Items
The sale or exchange of the following items are strictly prohibited:
• Live Animals
• Hazardous Materials: Explosives, Flammable liquids, or toxic chemicals
• Unregulated foods: Must have a valid PCHD permit
• Alcoholic Beverages: Except as allowed by a special event license that has been granted through the city process
4.5 Food Trucks are not covered under this ordinance and are subject to fees set in place by the Council.
SECTION 5. LOCATION AND ZONING
Flea markets shall be permitted only in commercial or Business District zones. Temporary markets may operate on public property with City Council approval and proof of $1,000,000 in liability insurance naming the City as an additional issuer.
SECTION 6. REVOCATION OF PERMIT
The City Council may revoke any permit if the operator violates this Ordinance or fails to maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment. Written notice shall be provided, and the operator shall have ten (10) days to appeal.
SECTION 7. PENALTIES
Any person or entity violating this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $500 per violation, and/or revocation of the flea market permit.
SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and publication as required by law.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 23rd day of December, 2025.
Terrence Windham, Mayor
ATTEST:
Dineki McCaa, City Manager/Clerk