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Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 Business Licensing, Article 24 Foods and Food Establishments of the Village Code
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Introduction
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On March 18, 2025 the Village Board discussed potential regulations on mobile food vendors to address equitable opportunities for business owners.
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Recommended Action
Approve the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action:
• On March 18, 2025 the Village Board directed staff to return with a draft ordinance with code changes for consideration.
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 the business license fee. 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 conducted by staff.
After analyzing the Village Board’s feedback regarding regulations, staff is proposing the following regulations:
1. The mobile food vendor must operate at least 250 feet from a food and drink establishment of the same kind.
2. Mobile food vendors are unable to operate in the greater Downtown Oak Park area.
3. If a mobile food vendor wishes to participate in a special event in the restricted areas, they must submit a request for a special event permit. Unless the event is on private property, a temporary use permit must be obtained.
4. Mobile food vendors must not be stationed in a business district for more than two hours at a time.
These measures are intended to balance the economic vitality of local restaurants with opportunities for mobile food vendors, while minimizing unfair competition and ensuring land use compatibility.
Timing Considerations
The proposed ordinance would take effect on August 1, 2025. This would allow staff time to connect with current licensed mobile food vendors.
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 the adoption of the ordinance.
Advantages:
• Regulations can promote local economic growth, encouraging vendors to operate in specific areas where brick-and-mortar businesses are unable to.
• Not allowing mobile food vendors in the greater Downtown Oak Park area would allow for less traffic congestion.
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 third 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
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
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. Ordinance
2. Attachment A- Neighboring Communities Regulations
3. Attachment B- Map