Revised food truck ordinance coming up for vote next month

New Albany aldermen offered for public consideration a revised proposed food truck ordinance at their July meeting Tuesday. The ordinance is expected to come up for a vote at the August board meeting.

A lengthier proposal was presented at the June board meeting but came under criticism because of some of the regulations and because of some misunderstanding on the part of the public.

That version had been done more than a year earlier and the idea been under discussion for several years.

After taking a look at the ordinance city officials decided it could be revised and shortened, in part because use of, and attitudes toward, the mobile vendors had changed over the years.

The new plan provides more opportunities for vendors to operate in the city without losing focus on health and safety issues.

It expands the previously limited hours of operation to from 6 a.m. to midnight (although the printed version presented at the board meeting erroneously reads 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.).

Various types of trucks and trailers are allowed, towed or self-powered, including pushcarts. All must be on wheels. They no longer have to be connected to brick-and-mortar kitchens.

The vendors can only operate on private property, and in areas zoned commercial or industrial. This is also a change in that it allows food sales in the historic downtown area, which was not the case in the previous version. Vendors may operate on public property only with governmental permission. They need written permission from a private property owner if set up there.

The mobile units cannot block the view of motorists for safety reasons, and also must adhere to minimum spacing from fire hydrants, gas pumps and structures.

Vendors must be responsible for keeping their areas clean and must have self-contained utilities.

While the revised ordinance expands operational options, the permit process remains fairly stringent.

Vendors will need to have a general privilege license, mobile vendor’s permit, provide business information, other licenses, have a state tax number, be inspected by the fire department and code enforcement officer, provide any criminal history (which can be disqualifying) and have proof of sufficient liability insurance.

In addition to obtaining the necessary permits from the city, mobile vendors must have health department certification from the state and pay both the seven-percent retail sales tax and the two-percent tourism tax.

Exemptions to the requirements of the ordinance may be granted by city officials for civic and non-profit organizations on a limited basis, city fairs, church-sponsored events, farmers’ markets and permitted garage sales.

Copies of the proposed ordinance are available at City Hall for the public to read.