Pell City residents may have a few more eating options in the upcoming year, though not without some regulations.

At the Pell City City Council meeting on Monday, a Pilot Program for Mobile Food and Seasonal Vendors was passed, four to one.

Councilmember Jay Jenkins raised some concerns about the program and allowing mobile food vendors to operate in business zones and voted against the passage of the program.

“This is not going to generate any new revenue,” Jenkins stated. “I think it’s going to be hard to entice other restaurants here.” 

Members of the community, which have frequented mobile food vendors in the area, seem to support the idea of having them more accessible, while others such as Jenkins raise concerns about the effect on other restaurants and economic impact.

There is not language within the city zoning ordinance that specifically refers to mobile food vendors or food trucks. They have been classified as manufactured buildings and are currently allowed to only operate within the industrial area under an Itinerant Vendor classification license.

The pilot program would enable mobile food vendors to operate within business zones in addition to the industrial park.

“Some of the concerns we have will be addressed with the regulations,” Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger said. “It will be worth it if people do it the right way. We want to encourage quality development.”

The pilot program will initially be conducted from the date of passage until the end of the year, after which it will be reviewed. If it is deemed successful, the Zoning Ordinance may be amended on a permanent basis with a recommendation from the Planning Commission and passage by City Council.

“This can be amended at any time during the program per feedback from restaurants, food vendors, and the public,” Councilmember Jud Alverson stated. 

Mobile food vendors will be required to obtain an annual business license from Pell City, written permission from the property owner of each location they wish to operate. Vendors may not operate within any public right-of-way, city owned property (including any city park) without permission, and they cannot operate within 150 feet of the main entrance of any restaurant or another food vendor. 

Limitations have also been placed on the number of days vendors can remain at any location, with a maximum of three consecutive days at any one location. Vendors must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations including permits from the City of Pell City, Alabama Department of Public Health, and the St. Clair County Health Department.

For more information or to obtain a full list of mobile food vendor and season vendor regulations, contact the City of Pell City at 205-338-2244.