Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The Mobile Food Vending (MFV) Code Chapter 573 was created in 2014 in response to the growth of the Columbus Food Truck industry. Its primary function is to (1) outline licensing requirements for mobile food vendors and their equipment, (2) set forth regulations around operating in the public right-of-way, and (3) develop a board of internal and external stakeholders to advise on the development of rules and regulations. Regulation of the operation of mobile food vendors involves multiple city departments; the Department of Public Safety License Section is responsible for licensing the vendors, pushcarts, and food trucks in partnership with the Department of Public Service, Columbus Public Health, and the Division of Fire to ensure vendors act in the interest of public safety and health.
As Chapter 573 was created when the industry was in its infancy, some sections need to be amended to reduce redundancy and improve city departments’ ability to oversee the Mobile Food Vending (MFV) industry. The original draft involved significant industry input, which has diminished in recent years and has made it challenging to seat members of the Mobile Food Vending Advisory Board. Requests to improve this Chapter have come from business owners, residents, law enforcement, and neighborhood associations in impacted areas such as the Short North Arts District, University District, and Downtown. Columbus City Council actively engaged the stakeholders over an extensive outreach process beginning Fall 2022 that involved three public hearings and separate roundtable discussions. Council is committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders as it will examine the efficacy of the amendments through 2023 and into the following year.
The amendments to this section include:
1. Modifying the definitions of Congestion Zone, Commercial Zone, and Non-commercial zone in accordance to the permits required to operate in these areas. Specifical...
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