KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo City Commission is looking to make changes to the ordinance regarding food truck requirements.
At Monday night’s commission meeting members approved the first reading of an ordinance and will vote on the final proposal to allow more food trucks to operate in town and lower the permit fee later this month.
Under the amendment to the ordinance, a food truck license would cost only $300, instead of $500. The proposition for lowering the price was made by some food truck vendors earlier in 2018 and 2019, saying that cities of similar sizes have lower licence costs.
License holders must still apply annually. Each license is valid in the year it was issued from January 1st to December 31st.
Under the proposed amendment, food trucks must pass an inspection from the Fire Marshal in order to be approved for business. The City of Kalamazoo website says that a “reciprocal agency” is acceptable in place of the Marshal.
Additionally, the total number of licenses issued would be lifted, which would allow for new food truck businesses to apply for a license. The current ordinance only allows a total of ten licenses permitted.
Trucks would also be allowed to have sandwich boards for advertising outside, provided that there is a “sufficient pedestrian pathway” on the sidewalk.
According to the city website, in 2018, only three food truck licenses were acquired.
Commissioners will cast a final vote on the proposal at their next meeting.
