The Tiffin Economic Development and Downtown Planning Committee on Aug. 11 agreed to draft legislation to amend the city's mobile food truck rules in Chapter 7.23. The committee instructed staff and the law director to prepare three specific amendments: replace the current $25 weekly fee with a $100 flat licensing/operating fee; establish a 100-foot separation from similar businesses or cuisines; and require that trucks parked on city property that are not actively serving remain nonoperational for 24 hours.

Committee discussion reflected competing priorities. Councilmember Scott Horniman cited public-safety and visibility concerns raised by the police and fire chiefs — for example, the challenge of moving a vehicle with a propane tank near building entrances — and argued for stricter restrictions downtown. The committee adopted the $100 licensing fee unanimously. The 100-foot spacing rule passed with Horniman voting against; the 24-hour nonoperational rule passed by a 2–1 committee vote with Horniman opposed. Councilmembers discussed alternative distances (150–200 feet) but the final committee draft used 100 feet.

The law director noted that vendors who operate in the city 20 days or more per year are required by the city's codified tax ordinance to file with the income-tax department. Committee members also discussed downtown placement (including Washington Street) and an appeals process for permits, with the city administrator saying appeals would logically come to city council.

The committee also discussed unrelated business concerns raised by downtown restaurant owners about music licensing fees; Bryce Riggs, CEO of the Seneca Collaborative, said he would look into the matter. The amended ordinance (introduced later as ordinance 2025-69) was on first reading at the full council meeting; no final council adoption was recorded in this transcript.

Why it matters: the changes alter costs and operating restrictions for mobile vendors, affect downtown pedestrian environment and safety considerations, and could change where and when food trucks may operate in Tiffin.