Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

Fayette Aldermen pass food truck ordinance

Justin Addison Editor/Publisher
Posted 8/25/20

The Fayette City Council gave passage to an ordinance governing food trucks in Fayette at its regular meeting on Aug. 18. The ordinance has been in the works since June, in an effort to hold …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Fayette Aldermen pass food truck ordinance

Posted

The Fayette City Council gave passage to an ordinance governing food trucks in Fayette at its regular meeting on Aug. 18. The ordinance has been in the works since June, in an effort to hold accountable the nomadic businesses. 

A pair of food trucks began operating on Fayette’s downtown square this summer, one on Tuesdays and the other on Thursdays, typically. The ordinance was enacted to ensure the trucks were property inspected by appropriate health agencies, held Fayette business licenses, and were collecting and recording sales tax. The ordinance also stipulates that the trucks may operate only on private property when property zoned for retail sales, public streets with written approval from the city or on such streets as have been designated by the city for this purpose, or certain designated city property.

Food trucks must purchase a yearly business license to operate in Fayette. The cost is $36, the same as any other business license in Fayette.

Not included in the ordinance is any stipulation regarding the orientation of the food trucks. An issue had briefly arisen this summer when lines of customers flowed into the streets. City Director of Public Works Danny Dougherty solved the problem when he asked the trucks to simply turn around so that lines of patrons would extend to sidewalks. 

“They unhooked, swung it around, and pointed it toward the curb, and they’ve been doing that ever since,” Dougherty said.

Because food trucks could possibly conduct business during downtown fairs and other times when streets may be temporarily closed to traffic, the council opted not to include a clause in the ordinance regarding orientation.

The council also discussed how to ensure food trucks obtain licensure prior to events that occur on weekends or holidays when City Hall is closed. Food trucks will often be present at events such as Juneteenth or the university’s homecoming. East Ward Alderman Jeremy Dawson said that event organizers must inform any invited trucks to gain necessary licenses prior to the events.

The ordinance passed with unanimous approval from the five council members present.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here