Council adopts ordinance regulating mobile food vendors on city property

The Ainsworth City Council adopted Ordinance 1563 to add a new section to city code governing mobile food vendors operating on city property.

The ordinance applies only when vendors set up on city-owned property; vendors operating from private property remain subject to existing peddler or business regulations and health inspections. The draft includes a permit fee (daily or annual options discussed) and a 1,550-foot setback from existing commercial food establishments during regular business hours unless written consent is obtained from the other business.

Staff said the language leans on boilerplate used by other communities and is intended primarily to protect the city’s liability when vendors use city electricity, water or other services. Council discussed exemptions for certain events covered by existing peddler permits and said the requirement was not meant to penalize vendors but to ensure public safety and reduce city liability.

The council voted to waive three readings and adopt Ordinance 1563. Staff will implement the permitting process and publish permit fees; they noted vendors already operating on private property would not require a city permit under the new section.