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Hart Planning Commission forwards food‑truck ordinance to City Council
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend a new transitory food‑service ordinance that sets permitting rules, operating zones/hours, health and insurance requirements, and appeal procedures.
On Feb. 6, 2025, the City of Hart Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a drafted ordinance regulating transitory food service units (food trucks) to the City Council.
The ordinance defines “Transitory Food Service Unit” to include motorized vehicles, trailers, carts and similar units that prepare or sell ready‑to‑eat food, and cross‑references the Michigan Food Law (MCL 289.1111). Permit requirements in the draft include an application window (no more than six months and no less than seven days before operation), a nonrefundable fee set by City Council resolution, conspicuous display of permits on the unit, and a requirement to comply with state and county health rules including inspections by the Oceana County Health Department when cooking/heating devices are used.
Key operating rules in the draft ordinance limit operation to B‑1 and B‑2 zoning districts on private property (public‑property operation permitted only under special events or Council approval), prohibit operations within 100 feet of a brick‑and‑mortar food establishment’s main entrance unless accessory, and set hours of operation (7 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday; 7 a.m.–12 a.m. Friday–Saturday) unless Council approves additional hours. Permits are valid for 14 consecutive days; additional 14‑day periods require new applications and longer‑term permits may be approved only by City Council resolution.
The draft also requires a $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy naming the City of Hart as an additional insured for operations on public property, allows impoundment of noncompliant equipment left on public property, and provides revocation and appeal procedures (notice and opportunity to be heard; appeals to City Council in writing within 10 days). Jim Cunningham moved to recommend the food‑truck ordinance to City Council; Diane LaPorte seconded and the motion passed 5‑0 (one absence). No public comments were recorded during the hearing.
The Planning Commission forwarded the ordinance to the City Council for review and possible adoption.
