Since the early 1980s, the number of food vendor permits allowed by the city’s health department has stayed at about 4,235, causing many vendors to turn to a black market, where two-year, full-time permits can cost up to $25,000. Vendors who obtain a two-year permit from the city pay $200 and can renew it indefinitely. Under the proposed legislation, a two-year permit would cost $1,000.

The legislation, called the Street Vending Modernization Act and sponsored by Melissa Mark-Viverito, the Council speaker, and at least six other members, would aim to curb the black market while boosting enforcement of regulations, especially in congested areas.

Preference would be given to vendors on the city’s waiting lists for permits; approximately 2,500 people are currently on the list for full-time permits. Thirty-five permits would be set aside for veterans and disabled people. A new dedicated vendor law enforcement unit would be created to unburden local officers from ensuring that vendor rules are followed. The bills would also refine certain outdated rules and restrictions applied to food vendors.

“In an era of relentless gentrification, street vendors are the ultimate mom and pops,” said Councilman Mark Levine, a Democrat who is sponsoring the core bills in the package being introduced at a Council meeting on Thursday. “It’s been a path to entrepreneurship as long as this city has existed,” Mr. Levine, who represents much of Harlem, added.

Without a permit, Ms. Chimborazo, 35, has had her cart taken away and has paid more than $1,300 in fines. “Sometimes, I don’t even go outside to sell, out of fear,” she said in Spanish. With a permit, she said, “We would have a better life, my kids would have more.”