Title
title
A Motion by Trustees Parakkat and Robinson to Discuss Current Village Regulations on Mobile Food Vendors and Potential Amendments to Regulations for the Village Board to Consider
..end
Introduction
overview
Trustee Parakkat moved and Trustee Robinson seconded to add a discussion regarding the Village’s current regulations on mobile food vendors and for Staff to research neighboring communities’ current regulations.
end
body
Recommended Action
Provide staff direction on the next steps.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
The Village of Oak Park does not currently have any regulations pertaining to where mobile food vendors can operate. The mobile food vendor business license given to food trucks allows operators to sell anywhere within the Village as long as they comply with parking regulations, pass a health inspection, and pay for their business license. Health inspections are conducted based on the level of risk the mobile food vendor is categorized in. If it is considered to be a high-risk operator, they receive three (3) annual inspections; a medium-risk operator receives two (2) annual inspections; and if they are considered to be a low-risk operator, they receive one (1) annual inspection.
Village staff have researched neighboring communities and their current regulations and ordinances in place to regulate mobile food vendors. Attachment A is a summary of the research found by staff.
Staff has explored the following three (3) potential mobile food vendor regulations for the Village Board to consider.
1. Mobile food vendors must operate at least 250 feet from a food and drink establishment. This is a current practice done by neighboring communities. The benefit of this potential regulation is that it would maximize the available space in the Village for food sales without requiring additional infrastructure. Having mobile food vendors operate at least 250 feet from a food and drink establishment can lead to more options for customers and boost foot traffic for both businesses. Or;
2. Mobile food vendors are only allowed to operate in designated areas in the Village. This would allow for the Village to set parameters where mobile food vendors can sell. It would create an organized space and increase safety for customers. Or;
3. Mobile food vendors are not able to operate in a business district. This would reduce the competition with established restaurants. It would also give mobile food vendors the ability to cater in different markets and have the flexibility to move based on customer demand.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Budget Impact
There is no budget impact associated with this item.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
Potential regulations on mobile food vendors would create more equitable opportunities for underserved populations and areas in the community.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends all three regulations.
Advantages:
• Regulations can promote local economic growth, encouraging vendors to operate in specific areas where brick-and-mortar businesses are unable to
Disadvantages:
• Regulations would impact mobile food vendors in Oak Park. There are currently 16 active licenses
Alternatives
Alternative 1: The Board can request additional information.
Advantages:
• This would give staff an opportunity to engage the business community and receive feedback on potential regulations.
Disadvantages:
• This action would prolong the potential to implement regulations until the second quarter.
Alternative 2: The Board can take no action at this time.
Advantages:
• No action on this item allows mobile food vendors to operate as they do today.
Disadvantages:
• Brick-and-mortar establishments may face increased competition from mobile food vendors.
Anticipated Future Actions
Staff would return to the Village Board with additional information, if requested, or with an ordinance implementing the board’s direction at a later board meeting.
Prepared By: Noemy Diaz, Administrative Officer of Development Services
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Attachment A- Neighboring Communities Regulations