Change in zoning bylaws means Guelph food trucks are free to roam
A proposal to change the City of Guelph’s Business Licensing Bylaw to amend and add regulations for both mobile and temporary food sales was accepted without debate on Mon, Sept. 12, 2016. The zoning bylaw update is subject to a 20-day appeal in accordance with the province’s Planning Act. If no appeal is put forth within the deadline, the new bylaw will be in effect.
In a news release, City of Guelph policy planner Abby Watts said, “The updated zoning bylaw allows food trucks to operate throughout areas in Guelph that were previously off limits, such as parks, commercial, industrial, and institutional zones.”
The zoning amendment goes beyond motorized vehicles such as food trucks and also covers chip wagons, refreshment carts, refrigerated bicycle carts, mobile barbeque facilities, and any form of mobile food or street vendor. The amendment is part of a larger approach to food vehicles.
“The Bylaw Department is doing a more extensive review of the Business Licensing Bylaw so they will be coming back to council with another update that will focus on on-street locations,” said Watts in an article published by 570 News. “Also, the Parks Department is working on guidelines on how food trucks will operate in park zones.”
“It is recommended that food vehicles be permitted in zones that permit a restaurant and/or take-out restaurant use, as a food vehicle is considered a similar use,” read the City’s report. “It is also recommended that a food vehicle be permitted in parks that permit concession stands.”
Public institutions, such as schools and churches, can now host food trucks when hosting special events. The bylaw prohibits vehicles within 100 metres of institutional properties, unless it has written permission from the school, church, or hospital.
The food vehicles are required to be in defined parking spaces. The vehicles are subject to other rules and regulations such as requiring a separate business licence, ensuring the vehicles are properly maintained. The report also stated, “General provisions established to regulate the location of food vehicles on a commercial, institutional or industrial site are recommended to ensure the safety and usability of the site is maintained.”
The amending of the bylaw will allow Guelph citizens easier access to food on the go and will lead to more initiatives.
Photo by Dana Bellamy/The Ontarion.