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Columbiana council to revisit food-truck rules after Main Street safety concerns
Summary
Council members raised safety and permitting questions after food trucks operated on Main Street in an area not listed in the city's vending map; staff said the mobile-vending ordinance is out of date and will be reviewed for designated locations, fees and enforcement.
Councilman Rustin told the council he was startled to see food trucks parked on Main Street in an area not marked on the city's vending map and said their placement created a visibility hazard for drivers and pedestrians. "I was just a little shocked that there was one right there in Main Street," Rustin said, adding that the presence of trucks took his attention off the road.
City staff and council members reviewed the city's mobile-vending ordinance and said it has not been consistently enforced. A speaker explained that, under the current code, mobile vendors are supposed to hold both a business license and a separate vending permit; the transcript cited a $114 business-license figure and a $100 permit fee as examples that would total roughly $214 per vendor. Council members said in practice the permit has not been collected and that the ordinance designates only limited locations (noting an overflow parking lot across from the courthouse) for mobile vendors.
A business owner who addressed the council said they had sought permission from city staff before operating, restricted hours as requested and served the community without incident. "I did ask for permission for those food trucks from someone in the city and I was told yes," the speaker said, adding that a Friday food truck served more than 60 customers and generated local revenue.
Council members framed two separate questions for staff: (1) revisit and update the ordinance so designated vending locations and permit rules are clear and enforceable, and (2) address pedestrian and traffic safety where trucks might position themselves. One council member suggested convening a small team to compare neighboring cities' rules, propose mapped locations and return to council with a recommendation on fees and enforcement.
Next steps: staff will assemble information on regional practices and the existing ordinance, map candidate vending locations, and bring a recommendation back to the council for further action.
