Wilkes-Barre Council to Consider Exciting New Food Truck Ordinance and Allocate $1.75 Million in Grants

Wilkes-Barre City Council is set to discuss a new ordinance for food trucks and carts during their work session on Tuesday. This ordinance proposes several rules aimed at managing food vendors in the city.

Here are the key points:

• Food trucks and carts can only operate from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• They cannot set up in the downtown retail district, which is outlined by Union Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, Northampton Street, and the Susquehanna River.
• Vendors must stay at least 100 feet away from restaurant entrances, including outdoor dining areas. This doesn’t apply to those with permission from property owners or those selling only packaged foods.
• Food carts or trucks cannot be left unattended while parked on city sidewalks or streets.
• Vendors must remove their trucks or carts from the street after finishing their business each day.

The ordinance also covers licensing and safety requirements. Vendors would need to apply for an annual license. This includes proof of at least $500,000 in public liability insurance. If a vendor fails to keep their insurance, the city can suspend their license and impose fines.

Before operating on private property, vendors must provide the health department with written permission from the property owner and keep a copy in their truck or cart. Regular inspections by health inspectors will ensure that all vendors maintain cleanliness and follow the rules.

Licenses must be renewed within 15 days after expiration. If vendors miss this deadline, they will face late fees amounting to double the license cost. The health department can suspend or revoke licenses if vendors violate any rules, and reactivation will require a fee that’s double the original.

For violations, vendors will receive written warnings. If they continue to break the rules, fines can range from $300 to $1,000. Unpaid fines may lead to up to 90 days in jail.

The ordinance is set for an initial vote during the council meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, and the public can voice their opinions before the vote. A second vote will be necessary for it to take effect 10 days after passing.

This initiative is led by Councilwoman Jessica McClay, who advocates for clearer rules on food truck operations. While she noted concerns about loud music and flashy signs, those issues are not part of the proposed regulations.

In addition to the food truck discussion, the council will address several other matters, including:

• Granting a $1 million state fund for a detox and recovery center at the former Riverview Ridge center.
• Administrative applications for a $750,000 grant for a nursing simulation project at Wilkes University.
• Reappointments to the Fire Civil Service Commission and the Board of Health.