SW Bluegrass News

Background

The City of Danville recently adopted ordinance no. 2005 which pertains to the regulation of Food Trucks or Mobile Food Units within the City of Danville.  

The ordinance defines Mobile Food Units as “a licensed, motorized vehicle permitted by the Boyle County Health Department for food service, which is temporarily parked in a location to sell and/or serve food and/ or beverages to the general public,” and it includes “food concession trailers pulled by licensed vehicles which are used to prepare or sell consumable foods.” 

Prior to the adoption of this ordinance, Food truck vendors were required to obtain a business license with the City of Danville, but were not subject to the same local health and safety standards as other food service businesses in the community.

For this reason, the City of Danville has adopted the ordinance to maintain certain health and safety standards, and ensure a fair business practices within the City.

The ordinance no. 2005 requires the mobile food unit vendor to obtain an Annual Mobile Food Unit Vendor Permit, with an annual fee of $300 - which may be prorated based on the application date. The permit verifies the mobile food unit has been inspected by the City of Danville Fire Department, and the Boyle County Health Department, promoting safe practices. The Mobile Food Unit vendor must also provide individual proof of proper insurance for operation in the public space, unless they are covered under certain special event insurances.

As Food Trucks are not limited to special events, the Ordinance No 2005 lays out general guidance for mobile food vendors that wish to setup in a public area independently, where no clear designations were provided before. Ordinance no. 2005 intends to provide the general public with a certain level of ease when patronizing mobile food units within City limits, whether they are part of a larger event or not.

Other types of vendors, such as artists, crafters and farmers market participants selling packaged goods, are not subject to these guidelines. The ordinance only applies to motorized mobile food units, as defined, which serve prepared, consumable beverages and foods. More information: https://www.danvilleky.org/350/Food-Trucks-Permit

Discussion on Ordinance No. 2005

During the February 13, 2023 Danville City Commission Meeting, concerns were raised by community members regarding Ordinance No. 2005.  In response, City Staff met with Food Truck vendors to discuss these concerns and possible solutions. Following this discussion, City Staff met independently to address the individual questions and respond. The document here outlines the response of City Staff, as well as what changes will be recommended to the Danville City Commission in the coming weeks. City Staff will draft a revised ordinance to present to the City Commission for approval. 

Food Truck Ordinance Meeting Notes

Please Contact City Staff  if you have questions regarding the Food Truck Ordinance. 

Original source can be found here.