Here's the deal Tally from someone who just came home tonight from busking.
A)How old are you?
B)What do you plan to perform?
C)Have you written out your patter?
D)how will you draw a crowd?
Here's the deal, you can be a wuss and call the police and ask them, but chances are they'll just lie to you because they're ignorant of the law as well. Unless you live in a major city like NYC, Chicago, LA, etc... you might be able to get away with setting up and just going for it.
Here's the skinny, find a place with loads of foot traffic. Be at least ten feet away from a business doorss. Make sure there is room on the sidewalk for people to walk. You don't want to block traffic as that is what the cops will want to get you for.
All the cops can really tell you is to set up and leave. I doubt they'd ticket you or anything. If you do call, demand that you see the law they are regarding to in print. If they cannot produce the law or if you call the clerk or something and they can't produce it then you can't get in trouble.
However, don't be a jerk to the police.
Go find a blog by jimmy talksalot.
Tell us your routine and I'll tel you if you're ready. It's a tough world out there.
I made $35 tonight in two hours. That's crap. Ten of it goes to parking and ten goes to gas.
Not a good night friend.
However, just go for it.
Try and see what happens. Walk your spot, visualize what you'll do and remember you are superman.
Read Maximum Entertainment. You're a magician, wear it with pride friend!