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Council hears first reading on mobile food-vehicle rules; staff to research electric-generator options
Summary
On first reading May 27, council reviewed proposed code language to formalize conditions applied to mobile food vehicles, including generator noise limits, speaker restrictions and potential hours-of-operation limits near residences; staff will research availability of electric/battery generators before second reading.
HILLIARD, Ohio — The Hilliard City Council received a staff report and held a first reading May 27 on Ordinance 25-15, a proposal to regulate mobile food vehicles in the city’s code by formalizing conditions—quiet generators, limits on outdoor speakers and, in some residential adjacencies, restrictions on hours of operation.
City planning staff said the draft ordinance reflects conditions the Planning Commission has typically applied in approvals, such as “put some muffling, sound deadening around the generator” and screening or muffling of generator locations. Staff said the proposal would also “restrict the use of outdoor speakers” and would allow hour limits in situations where trucks are close to residential properties.
Council Member Cynthia questioned how locations are determined; staff responded that locations have been driven by applications and noted concerns about downtown impacts on brick-and-mortar restaurants. Cynthia also asked whether the city could require electric (battery) generators to address pollutants; staff said they were not aware of battery-powered generators in current use but agreed to research "whether or not there are generators out there that are battery powered." Staff committed to report back before the June 9 second reading.
Planning & Zoning Commissioner Emily (last name not provided) said food-truck applicants have typically been family owned and compliant with prior conditions, and she expressed support for formalizing the rules. The council set the second-reading public hearing for June 9, 2025.
