A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that two ordinances are being introduced tonight to update the Oakwood Business Regulation Code. The first is an ordinance that will allow “mobile food vehicles,” or food trucks, to operate on public rights-of-way in the City.

Most people are probably familiar with food trucks, which have been gaining popularity in recent years. City staff has been wary about permitting them in Oakwood due to possible negative impacts on residential neighborhoods, but it is clear that food trucks are a phenomenon that is here for the foreseeable future.

This ordinance will allow food truck operation in the City, but includes a number of provisions designed to protect the residential character of the community. Some of the highlights include the following: All operators must be licensed by the City; All operators and facilities must be in full compliance with all state and county requirements for mobile food service, and must have all necessary licenses, permits, certificates, and inspections; All operators and facilities must be in full compliance with all local ordinances, including noise ordinances; All operators will be required to display a decal on the vehicle indicating current licensure; Food trucks will be prohibited in alleys, and will be prohibited on the following streets: Far Hills Avenue; Shroyer Road; Patterson Road; E/W Schantz Avenue between Oakwood Avenue and the Oakwood/Kettering corporate line; Oakwood Avenue between Far Hills and Irving Avenues; and Park Avenue between Far Hills and Harman Avenues; Hours of operation are between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and a food truck may only sell food in one location for one hour. However, the City Manager will have authority to approve extended time or hours in connection with a specific event; and Food trucks must be parked by the curb, must dispense food curb-side, and cannot impede the orderly flow of traffic.

This was a first reading of the ordinance, so Vice Mayor Byington made no motion.

A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that this is the second ordinance to update the Oakwood Business Regulation Code as it pertains to food trucks. There is an existing ordinance in the code, Section 725.01, that prohibits anyone from offering any thing or product for sale within any street right-of-way. The ordinance being introduced now would amend Section 725.01 to create an exemption for food trucks.

Mayor Duncan asked if this exemption applies to ice cream trucks.

Mr. Jacques said yes, as long as ice cream trucks meet the criteria listed in the ordinance for “mobile food vehicles.”

This was a first reading of the ordinance, so Vice Mayor Byington made no motion.