Hilliard council amends mobile food vehicle rules to encourage electric generators

The Hilliard City Council on June 9 approved an amendment to the city’s mobile food vehicle regulations that encourages operators to consider electric generators and directs that any such generator be placed on the side of the vehicle facing away from adjacent businesses or public space.

Council President Tim Catone opened the second reading of Ordinance 25-15, which amends Chapter 753 of the City of Hilliard codified ordinances regarding mobile food vehicles. Council Member Cynthia Vermillion proposed language that would encourage the use of electric generators and require placement away from neighboring businesses and public areas. Vermillion said the change is intended to "further reduce noise impact and other environmental impacts." (Quotation attributed to Cynthia Vermillion.)

Council and staff discussed cost and incentives for electric generators; a staff member said they were not aware of any city incentives or rebates for electric generators. City staff described a possible formatting approach to add a new division headed "Generators," with the encouraging language as a subdivision to the existing section.

Council Member Vermillion moved to add the language; the motion was adopted and the amended ordinance was passed on roll call, with Council Members Hale, Carrier, Betts, Vermillion, Vice President Teeter and President Catone voting yes. The clerk recorded the ordinance as passed 6-0. The ordinance "has passed and will be in effect at the earliest date allowable by law," according to the clerk’s announcement.

The amendment is phrased as encouragement rather than a mandate; no change was made during the meeting to require electric generators or to create a city incentive program. Staff noted the cost of larger power needs may make electric generators more expensive for some operators and that incentive options were not identified during the discussion.