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Plain City tables first reading of mobile‑vendor ordinance after debate over $100 annual fee
Summary
Council reviewed proposed Chapter 735 changes to regulate mobile vendors in the public right-of-way, including a proposed $100 annual permit and staff authority to run background checks. Concerns about double fees and a per‑day permit option led Council to table the first reading until March 9 for further research.
Clerk Justin Dreier and Village Administrator Haley Lupton presented proposed amendments to Chapter 735 (mobile vendors) at the Feb. 23 meeting that would regulate mobile vendors operating in the public right‑of‑way, authorize staff background checks and establish a permit-fee structure.
The draft ordinance draws a distinction between mobile vendors on private property (regulated under Chapter 1194) and those operating in the right‑of‑way. Mr. Dreier said the proposed annual public‑right‑of‑way permit fee is $100, based on comparative research that produced an average municipal fee of $74.25. Council members raised concerns that the $100 annual right‑of‑way fee could stack with existing private‑property permit fees, and several members recommended adding a low‑cost per‑day permit option to accommodate occasional vendors.
Council also discussed a possible code change that would allow brick‑and‑mortar restaurants to permit a mobile vendor to operate within 100 feet of their business; staff said language could be added but that other ordinances might also need adjustment. Ms. Lupton recommended tabling the first reading until staff completes additional research on fees and related ordinance conflicts.
Action: Mr. Harriman moved and Ms. Arnold seconded a motion to table the first reading of Ordinance 01‑2026 (Chapter 735 amendments) until the March 9, 2026 meeting; the motion carried unanimously.
