(a) An applicant must submit a detailed drawing showing the proposed location of the mobile food vending unit(s), accessory structures, and any fixtures (tables, trash cans, etc.) that would accompany it. The plans must include all dimensional distances from any adjoining property lines, buildings, or structures. All mobile food vending parks are special land uses and must be reviewed and approved by the City of Ionia Planning Commission.
(b) Mobile food vending parks shall be permitted only in the O Office Districts, B-3 Business Districts, and 1-1 Light Industrial Districts.
(c) Buffering Requirements.
(1) When adjoining a residential district, a six (6) foot high wall, fence, or dense vegetation strip shall be erected and maintained along the connecting interior lot line.
(2) All lighting shall be shielded from adjacent residential districts.
(d) Performance Standards.
(1) A parking plan must be submitted with the application for Planning Commission review identifying a designated parking area separated from the mobile food vending park space. The use of a fence or vegetation strip to separate the two areas is encouraged.
(2) A minimum of one (1) but no more than five (5) mobile food vending units may be parked on a site at any given time. There shall be designated locations defined on the site plan submitted within the mobile food vending park for the parking of mobile food vending units. Each mobile food vending unit may have no less than ten feet of separation from other mobile food vending units.
(3) A seasonal food vending permit will be required annually for each mobile food vending unit located in the mobile food vending park.
(4) Mobile food vending parks shall provide an aesthetically pleasing environment that includes seating elements.
(5) Mobile food vending parks shall have restrooms available for patrons on site.
(6) Accessory structures are permitted per Chapter 1286 and must be designated on any site plan submitted for a special land use.
(7) The hours of operation for a mobile food vending unit shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
(8) The property owner or his/her designee is responsible for orderly setup of the mobile food vending units, site cleanliness, and site compliance with all rules and regulations during business hours. Contact information for the owner or designee shall be made available to City staff.
(9) At least one electrical outlet shall be required at each designated mobile food vending unit site unless the mobile food vending unit is able to self-generate electricity.
(10) Lighting shall be as necessary to illuminate the mobile food vending park for patrons and staff. Flashing/blinking lights shall be prohibited.
(11) The mobile food vending park shall be kept clear of litter, food scraps, or other debris. Sweeping debris or spilled materials into the gutters of public streets shall be prohibited.
(12) At least one waste receptacle shall be provided for each mobile food vending unit and shall be emptied whenever full and at park closing. The mobile food vending park shall also be equipped with a large commercial dumpster into which bags from individual waste receptacles can be deposited. The commercial dumpster shall be appropriately screened.
(13) Tables, chairs, and umbrellas shall be of durable commercial-grade materials, sufficiently weighted to avoid displacement by the wind.
(14) Signage is permitted when placed directly on mobile food units, so long as it does not extend above or beyond the mobile vending unit itself. The vendor must otherwise follow the City's sign ordinance, including regulations for sidewalk signs (e.g., sandwich board signs).
(15) After expiration of the seasonal food vending permit the mobile food vending unit must be removed from the property. Storage of mobile food vending units will not be permitted on site during the off season.
(Ord. 567. Passed 10-4-22.)