O’Fallon City Council tightens regulations on food trucks

Further restrictions on food trucks on private property and commercial, office and industrial locations are now in place in O’Fallon.

Mobile food vehicle vendors will be limited on the duration of their hours at one location. The community development committee has been discussing proposed changes after a business application to have a food truck for a lengthy stay was denied.

The amended ordinance now states that food trucks shall be permitted in any office, commercial or industrial zoning district on private property for up to two days a week, not more than two consecutive weeks, no more than four days in a month, and cannot be longer than eight hours at one time, with written permission from the property owner.

Changes in the amended ordinance approved July 1 include moving the approval process to city staff, and not the O’Fallon City Council. From now on, Community Development Director Justin Randall’s office will approve the applications. He said if there was an issue, then it would be brought before the council.

The fee has also increased from $125 to $150.

Language has also been tightened on allowing existing restaurants with a food truck to park them on their parking lots when not in operation.

There should be sufficient on-site parking to accommodate both the primary use and the food truck, and sufficient on-site circulation for both vehicles and pedestrians in line or eating.

Any event held by a private employer for employees, or a not-for-profit holding event, is not subject to the eight-hour limitation, the ordinance states.

All items being sold must be allowed under city regulations.

Currently, there are nine mobile food truck vendors registered with the city.

The ordinance was approved in a 12-2 vote, with Aldermen Jerry Albrecht and Jim Blackburn voting no.