(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
"COMMISSARY." A fixed location, non-mobile establishment, or any other place used for the storage of supplies, the preparation of food to be sold or served, at or by one or more mobile food vendors, and the cleaning and servicing of the mobile food vending unit.
"DESIGNATED OPERATION AREA.” The public area or areas designated by the city in the following zones: (B-2) Highway Business District, (B-3) Central Business District, (B-4) Medium Density Business District, (G) Government District, and (I) Industrial District and any other area or areas specifically identified on the vendor permit.
"FOOD CODE." The Kentucky Food Code, 902 KAR 45:005, as amended, and any mandatory or proposed model FDA Food Code published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and adopted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, City of Murray, Calloway County Health Department, or other authority.
"FOOD PRODUCTS." Those products that are ready for immediate consumption. The term, "FOOD PRODUCTS" does not include fresh produce.
"LAWS." Any law, rule, administrative regulation, code, policy, or ordinance imposed by the federal government, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the City of Murray, or the Calloway County Health Department, and any and all other applicable entities.
"MOBILE FOOD VENDING UNIT." An enclosed unit, truck, trailer, cart, or similar vehicle-mounted unit that is:
(a) Mobile or capable of being moved by a licensed motor vehicle;
(b) Independent with respect to water, waste water, and power utilities;
(c) Used for the preparation, sale, or donation of food products and beverages; and
(d) No larger than thirty-five (35) feet in length.
"MOBILE FOOD VENDOR." An individual engaged in the operation of a unit; if more than one individual is operating a single unit, then vendor shall include all individuals operating such single unit.
"OPERATE OR OPERATION." All activities associated with the conduct of business, including, but not limited to, set up, take down, and actual hours where the unit is open for business.
(B) Operation of mobile food vendor units.
(1) Mobile food vendors shall hold a valid permit from the City Planning Department and may operate a mobile food unit within the area or areas designated by the city.
(2) Hours and days of operation. Mobile food vendors may operate Monday through Saturday between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
(3) Compliance with laws. Vendors must follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances governing mobile food vendors, including, but not limited to, laws, rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances governing health, sanitation, and public welfare. Unit placement and operation must strictly adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies. Local laws, regulations, and policies include, but are not limited to, the city’s zoning ordinance, noise ordinance, stormwater regulations, and fire codes, as well as all rules and regulations imposed by the Calloway County Health Department, including but not limited to any food service certifications.
(4) Vendors shall strictly comply with divisions (C) and (D) regarding placement of units.
(5) Fire extinguishers required. All units must be equipped with a 2-A:10-B:C 5 lb. fire extinguisher that is certified annually by a licensed company. Additionally, units that produce grease laden vapors (for example, those units with deep fat fryers or flat top griddles), must have a listed fire suppression system certified bi-annually by a licensed company, supplemented by a certified K Class fire extinguisher.
(6) Items for sale. A vendor operating a unit may only sell items specifically described in the vendor's permit.
(7) Methods of support. Units shall not use stakes, rods, or any method of support that must be drilled, driven, or otherwise fixed, into asphalt, pavement, curbs, sidewalks, or buildings.
(8) Obstruction of traffic. Placement of units and any devices related to the unit shall not obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic, access to driveways, or sight distance for drivers.
(9) Service to pedestrians. Units shall serve pedestrians only; a drive-thru or drive-in service is prohibited.
(10) Signs. A unit is limited to signs mounted to the exterior of the mobile food establishment. All signs mounted on the unit shall be secured and mounted flat against the unit and shall not project more than six (6) inches from the exterior of the unit.
(11) Special events. Vendors’ hours and dates may be affected during a city-authorized street fair, public festival, farmers market, or similar events. Vendors shall not operate within the boundaries of a special event unless the vendor has authorization from the event sponsor.
(12) Spills. To prevent discharges into the storm drain system and otherwise, each unit shall comply with the stormwater regulations of the city. In addition, each unit shall have a spill response plan and kit onboard to contain and remediate any discharge from the unit.
(13) Waste and recycling. Vendors shall supply, in a prominent location, trash containers sufficient in size to collect all waste generated by customers and staff of the unit. In addition, vendors are encouraged to provide recycling containers for customers and staff, but recycling containers are not required. The vendor shall keep the area around the unit clear of litter and debris at all times. All trash and debris generated by customers and staff shall be collected by the vendor and deposited in their trash or recycling container and removed from the site by the vendor. The vendor shall contain on-board at all times any waste liquids generated by its operations (for example, oil, wash water, and the like), and shall dispose of same in an appropriate manner.
(14) A small dining area, including but not limited to tables, chairs, bar stools, benches, and standup counters are allowed, if approved by the property owner and ADA compliance is met.
(C) Location of mobile vending.
(1) The mobile food vendor permit is limited to operation within the designated area or areas, and vendor shall not operate outside the area or areas designated on vendor's permit.
(2) Operation is strictly prohibited:
(a) Within public rights-of-way, with the exception of permitted parking areas;
(b) Within fifty (50) feet of a building in which a full-service restaurant or fast-food restaurant is located and operating, unless approval is obtained, in writing, from the owner of the business;
(c) Within twenty (20) feet of any structure built of combustible construction, and within ten (10) feet of any structure built of non-combustible construction;
(d) Within fifteen (15) feet of any fire hydrant, fire escape, bus stop, any intersection curb radius return (the point of intersection of the street curb line and the curb radius), any doorway or driveway or other main entrance of any building, and any emergency or fire exits;
(e) Within a city block of a school zone during regular school hours;
(f) Within a public alley; and
(g) In no event shall a mobile food vendor unit be placed, stored, repaired, or located in the following zones: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3A, R-4, and R-5, unless in the rear yard.
(3) Availability. Spaces in the designated operation area are available to all vendors with a city vendor permit, subject to available space.
(4) Electrical service. Electrical service shall be provided only by an on-board generator.
(5) Parking direction. Units shall park a minimum of six (6) feet apart, in the direction designated by the City Planning Department. The parking direction may change based on the number of vendors or other activities within the designated operation area.
(6) Pedestrian travel path. Mobile food vendors shall not reduce the clear pedestrian path of travel on the sidewalk or between units, to less than six (6) feet. This includes all components of the unit. All awnings or canopies of the unit shall be at least six (6) feet and eight (8) inches above the sidewalk/parking lot.
(7) Preparation outside of the unit. While operating, any food and beverage preparation outside of the unit (for example smoking of meat, roasting of corn) shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and such preparation shall not create safety hazards for the public. Vendors shall not serve food to customers directly from any outside preparation unit.
(8) Sound. Amplification. While operating, units shall not use amplification equipment to project sounds, music, or voices.
(9) Area defined. Vendors shall operate only within the designated operation area and at the designated times as specified herein. Notification of changes will be emailed to current permit holders and posted on the city's website.
(10) Area as temporary. The use, marking, or designation of spaces for mobile food vendors does not grant vendors a vested right or property interest in any specific space. The area may be adjusted or removed if such adjustment or removal is determined to be in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare.
(11) The maximum length of time a mobile food vendor will be allowed at an approved location will be ninety (90) consecutive days. The owner/operator may reapply at the end of that period, but the mobile food vendor must be relocated at a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the prior location, if approved by the property owner of the location.
(D) Mobile food vendor permits.
(1) All mobile food vendors must hold a valid state-wide permit issued by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In addition, all mobile food vendors must obtain a permit (vendor permit) from the City Planning Department in order to operate a mobile food unit in the city. A separate permit is required for each unit, and the vendor permit is non-transferable. All vendor permits shall be prominently displayed on the unit. All commissaries located within the city limits must be issued a permit by the city and shall be subject to periodic required inspections. Only one (1) permit is required per commissary, regardless of the number of vendors sharing the commissary. Commissaries located outside the city limits must provide all required documentation and consent to all required inspections, but shall not be required to purchase a permit.
(2) Application. Every vendor desiring to engage in mobile food operations shall submit an application for a vendor permit to the City Planning Department. All vendors shall obtain required inspections and permits from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Calloway County Health Department, and the State Plumbing Inspector, and shall submit same, along with a site plan, with the application. The city may request additional information reasonably required to complete the application. The application shall not be considered complete until the city has received all information and documentation required by the application or otherwise.
(3) Issuance of permit. Once the application is complete, the City Planning Department will review the application and shall issue the vendor permit to the qualified vendor within fourteen (14) business days. The vendor permit shall be valid for the specific time period set forth in Chapter 110, General License Requirements. In the event a vendor is determined to be unqualified for a permit, the city shall advise the vendor within fourteen (14) business days.
(4) Fees. An application for a vendor permit shall be submitted along with the applicable business license fee established by the city of $150.00. Fees are subject to change. There shall be proration of the business license fee. Fees are non-refundable once a vendor permit has been issued by the city.
(5) Inspections after permitting. Permitted operations will be inspected periodically and without notice by representatives of various city departments and the Calloway County Health Department, to ensure compliance.
(6) Revocation of permit. The city may suspend or revoke a vendor permit if the city discovers that:
(a) An applicant obtained the vendor permit by knowingly providing false information on the application;
(b) The continuation of the vendor's permit presents a significant threat to public health or safety; or
(c) The vendor or unit violates these regulations.
(7) Complaints. If a complaint is filed with the city alleging that a vendor has violated the provisions of this chapter, the city shall notify the vendor of the complaint and shall promptly investigate the complaint. The vendor shall be invited to respond to the complaint within ten (10) business days, present evidence, and respond to evidence produced by the investigation. If the city, after reviewing all relevant material, finds the complaint to be supported by a preponderance of the evidence, the city may immediately revoke the vendor's permit or take other enforcement action as allowed by law.
(E) Indemnity for benefit of the city and insurance. Any vendor operating under this chapter shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Murray, its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all lawsuits, claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including, but not limited to, court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and costs of claim processing, investigation, and litigation) for losses caused in whole or in part by the negligent acts, errors, or omissions of the vendor in performance of its operations or from the vendor's failure to perform its operations using a due and reasonable standard of professional care and skill ("indemnified claim"), and except where such injury, damage, or loss was caused by the sole negligence of the city, its agents, or employees. The amount and type of insurance coverage requirements set forth herein will in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the indemnity in this division.
(F) Insurance.
(1) Any vendor or applicant for a mobile food vending unit shall give and maintain insurance policies as required by this section. All insurance must be underwritten by insurers with an A.M. Best rating of A-VIII or better; modification of this standard may be considered upon appeal to the City Planning Department. Copies of such insurance policies shall be filed with the city during the application process. If the policy of insurance required by this division lapses for any reason, the permit issued shall become void for such permittee.
(2) Commercial general and umbrella liability insurance. Occurrence version commercial general liability insurance, and if necessary umbrella liability insurance, with a limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) each occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, and products and completed operations is required. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit, it shall apply separately to the work/location in this pilot program or be no less than two million dollars ($2,000,000). Such insurance shall:
(a) For any claims related to this project, vendor's insurance coverage shall be primary insurance with respect to the city, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance programs covering the city, its officials, officers, employees, and volunteers shall be excess of contractor's insurance and shall not contribute with it.
(3) Automobile liability insurance. Including vehicles owned, hired, and non-owned, with a combined single limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) each accident. Such insurance shall include coverage for loading and unloading hazards. Insurance shall contain or be endorsed to contain a provision that includes the city, its officials, officers, employees, and volunteers as additional insureds with respect to liability arising out of automobiles owned, leased, hired, or borrowed by or on behalf of the vendor.
(4) Workers' compensation insurance. If applicable, vendors shall maintain workers' compensation insurance, with statutory limits as may be required by the Commonwealth of Kentucky or other applicable laws, and employers' liability insurance with limits of not less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
(5) Other insurance requirements. The vendor shall:
(a) Prior to commencement of operations, furnish the city with original certificates and amendatory endorsements effecting coverage required by this division, and provide that such insurance shall not be cancelled, allowed to expire, or be materially reduced in coverage except on thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the city. Proof of policy provisions regarding notice of cancellation will be required;
(b) Upon the city's request, provide certified copies of endorsements in addition to certificates of insurance;
(c) Replace certificates and endorsements for any such insurance expiring prior to completion of operations;
(d) Maintain such insurance at all times during its operations. Failure to maintain or renew coverage or to provide evidence of renewal may be treated by the city as a violation of these guidelines;
(e) Disclose any deductibles and/or self-insured retentions greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), which must be approved by the city prior to the commencement of services. Use of large deductibles and/or self-insured retentions will require proof of financial ability as determined by the city; and
(G) Enforcement and revocation.
(1) The Code Enforcement Officer and Code Enforcement Board shall be responsible for enforcement of this section.
(2) A vendor's permit may be denied, revoked, suspended, or not renewed by the City Planning Department or the Calloway County Health Department for failure to comply with any applicable federal, state, or local law, rule, administrative regulation, code, or ordinance, whether or not specifically set forth herein.
(3) For penalties, see § 115.99(C).
(Ord. 2019-1775, passed 5-9-19; Am. Ord. 2019- 1782, passed 9-12-19; Am. Ord. 2023-1846, passed 6-8-23)