(Columbus, OH) – Food trucks, food carts, and concession trailers are now allowed to park and operate in the city’s public streets.  This was unanimously agreed upon last April 7 by the city council.  Prior to the amendments to City Code Chapter 573 – Mobile Food Vending was only allowed on private property.

The move was supported by both the Central Ohio Food Truck Association and The Central Ohio Restaurant Association.  No restrictions for parking near a brick and mortar restaurant was included, except for restaurants with a sidewalk dining permit.  Since parking in front of these types of restaurants would cause pedestrian traffic.

One of the provisions clarified previously was the length requirement of trucks, which should not be over 25 feet.  The requirement still holds for operations in public right of way streets, but those over the 25 foot limit can still operate on private property.  Licensing and inspections cost $180 and a public right of way license is an additional $250.

For congested areas such as the Short North, 20 spots exclusively for mobile vending would be designated and spots would then be reserved by vendors.  Reservation process and permit fees would later be determined.

See the text to the amendments here.