This southwestern IL city may see more food trucks soon after government rule changes
Edwardsville residents may soon start seeing more food trucks throughout their city.
At its Sept. 21 City Council meeting, the city of Edwardsville updated its Codified Ordinances regarding the operation of mobile food trucks throughout the city.
Licensed food trucks with permits to operate in Madison County and in Edwardsville can now operate in more places with extended hours, according to a release issued by the city.
Food trucks may now attend events on private commercial property and operate at three of the city’s parks, according to the release. They are still prohibited from operating on private property in residential areas but can operate in a residential district as part of a city-approved neighborhood event.
According to the release, food trucks are permitted to operate in all zoning districts, except for residential districts. The exemptions are:
Food trucks participating in city-operated events.
Food trucks participating in an organized, permitted block party.
Food trucks operating on city property or public right-of-way owned by the city of Edwardsville in a commercial or manufacturing district.
Food trucks operating in the following public parks or on city of Edwardsville owned right-of-ways immediately adjacent to the following public parks: Leclaire Park, Glik Park and City Park.
“We feel these changes are positive to our community and our growing population of small businesses,” Economic Development Coordinator James Arnold stated in the city’s release.
“When we first addressed the operation of food trucks, the City was very protective of our devoted brick-and-mortar restaurants. Since then, we have seen that food trucks in our community could fulfill a need. Current restaurant owners have voiced to us that they are welcoming to less restrictive ordinances which provide more opportunities to them, as well.”
While the food truck concept has been around for a while, it continues to evolve. The city’s statement acknowledges that food truck usage has increased due to the pandemic. Food trucks are used more as a potential business experiment for those thinking about opening a restaurant. Established restaurants may use food trucks to expand their brand.
“The relaxation of the ordinances will enhance experiences in our City parks, increase economic opportunities for potential restaurateurs, and provide food options to more areas in our community, which I’m confident will still support our established restaurants. Edwardsville is a thriving and growing community, and we are excited for great things to come,” said Mayor Art Risavy.
Food truck operators are required to complete an online location registration form that includes the location and operating hours a minimum of 24 hours before selling from an approved site. The exception is within the M-1 Light Manufacturing District, where a food truck can operate in the same location four times a month.
Under the amended ordinance, hours of operation have increased allowing food trucks to operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. The previous time frame was 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. In the M-1 Light Manufacturing District, food trucks can operate 24 hours a day.
“We look forward to reaching out to potential food truck vendors and welcoming them to operating within the City,” said Arnold. “We intend to increase the number of licensed food trucks that may operate in our community and look forward to enjoying the variety of cuisines food trucks offer.”
For more information about the city of Edwardsville, visit cityofedwardsville.com or the City of Edwardsville Facebook page.
This story was originally published September 30, 2021 at 7:00 AM.
