Downtown Cleanliness and Safety Update: Panhandle and Solicitation Guidelines Available

Asheville -- December 2023: The City of Asheville Community News  -- The Asheville community has consistently shown compassion for residents in need.

We believe this is part of the character and values that make Asheville a good place to live, work, and do business. Recognizing that everyone in a community does not have the same comfort level with interpersonal interactions, this panhandling and solicitation pamphlet provides guidelines and best practices in line with City of Asheville laws and regulations. 

Individuals have a right to solicit or panhandle on public property. However, unregulated activities can cause adverse impacts on community safety, traffic impediments, sidewalk access issues, blocked ingress and egress of buildings, and/or disturbance of residents and businesses.

The City of Asheville and Asheville City Council continually strive to maintain a balance between public safety and facilitating community members’ and visitors’ desire to give. Striking this balance creates a safe public environment while continuing to recognize and respect a culture of giving in our shared community. 

Clear laws provide a balance so both the giver and recipient interact in a safe environment. The City of Asheville has a duty to protect the rights and safety of both parties. The information in this pamphlet is designed to clearly define the regulations in place to support safe giving. 

You can find more information about the rules and regulations on our Legal Department Web Pages 

Or listen to City of Asheville Attorney Brad Branham discuss the issue on 

Read the brochure digitally or pick up a copy  at several locations where they will be available:

City Hall
Pack Square Library
Community Centers