HB2328

THE CONTEXT: Statute allows a city or town, by resolution or ordinance, to restrict mobile food vendors from operating at public airports, public transit facilities, areas zoned for residential use or within 250 feet of properties zoned for residential use. A city or town may enact and enforce regulations and zoning codes on mobile food units and mobile food vendors if not prohibited by law.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would permits a mobile food vendor to operate on private residential property of the property owner, the tenant with a minimum one-year lease or a trustee of a living trust, if the vendor receives written permission and: a) the property owner remains on-site while the vendor operates; b) the vendor does not serve the general public; c) the vendor is not the property owner, the spouse or trustee of the property owner, prohibit a vendor from operating between the hours of 10:00 p.m; and 6:00 a.m, and direct the vendor to remove trash and other items from the residential property.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to make the government process for mobile food vendors more definite and accountable. It would permits a mobile food vendor to operate on private residential property of the property owner, the tenant with a minimum one-year lease or a trustee of a living trust, if the vendor receives written permission and: a) the property owner remains on-site while the vendor operates; b) the vendor does not serve the general public; c) the vendor is not the property owner, the spouse or trustee of the property owner, and would also prohibit a vendor from operating between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.