Elgin council approves zoning change to allow mobile food vendors on private property; halves conditional-use fee

The Elgin City Council approved an amendment to the city—ode on Aug. 13 that creates a land-use category for mobile food vendors and allows the use as a conditional permit in CC1 (Center City), CC2 (Center City) and CF (Community Facility) zoning districts. The council later voted to cut the conditional-use application fee for mobile food vendors in half, from $980 to $490.

The ordinance change establishes mobile food vendors as a defined category distinct from push carts or bicycle carts and restricts operations to private property, not on-street parking. Community development staff said the conditional-use process will allow notice, public comment and site-specific conditions such as power source, litter-control plans and limits on tables and signage. "Temporary uses are typically used to allow businesses, activities and events outside," Community Development Director Mark Malott told the council during the public hearing.

The city—ou…