The City of Grand Island will be hosting a public information meeting for food truck owners on Monday, February 9 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in Meeting Room BC at the Grand Island Public Library.

The meeting will provide an overview of proposed updates to the City’s food truck regulations, including reasoning for the changes, key provisions being considered and the process for review and adoption. The primary focus of the meeting is to gather input from food truck owners who are currently operating in compliance with City requirements, including those paying the food and beverage tax.

City staff will discuss public safety considerations, operational standards and the importance of maintaining mobility requirements for food trucks. These updates are intended to ensure consistent safety practices, protect public health and support fair and transparent business operations across the community.

Below is a list of food truck safety guidelines that will be available for discussion:

Requirement that food trucks remain fully mobile and not operate as permanent or semi-permanent structures

• Licensing and permitting requirements for operating within the city

• Required clearance distances from buildings, structures and other vehicles, including the 10-foot minimum safety buffer

• Fire department access requirements, including access to fire lanes and hydrants

• Fire suppression and extinguisher requirements for cooking equipment

• Propane and fuel system safety standards, including shutoff valves, leak testing and daily inspections

• Electrical safety requirements and compliance with national electrical codes

• Generator and power source placement, ventilation and refueling safety procedures

• Operational safety practices such as exhaust system use, equipment cleaning and safe shutdown procedures

• Training expectations for food truck operators and staff, including emergency response procedures

• Solid fuel safety requirements for trucks using wood or charcoal cooking equipment

• Public safety considerations, including restrictions on public seating inside mobile units

• Inspection expectations and ongoing compliance responsibilities

Following the meeting, staff will evaluate feedback and determine the next steps, which may include additional stakeholder meetings or a study session with the Grand Island City Council. Final adoption of the updated regulations is anticipated in early spring. Food truck owners and interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.

Why Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles Are Regulated Under the International Fire Code (IFC)

1. Adopted Code Requirement
   The City of Grand Island has adopted the International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 edition, which regulates mobile food preparation vehicles under Section 319, first introduced in the 2018 IFC.  This code requires us to inspect and permit them.
   

2. Rapid Industry Growth
   Mobile food operations expanded rapidly nationwide from 2000-2010, resulting in many vehicles operating daily at events, downtown areas, and other public venues.  Prior to 2018, the IFC did not contain a unified regulatory framework specific to mobile food vehicles, resulting in inconsistent enforcement.
   

3. Documented Fire Risk
   National fire data identified recurring fires involving mobile food vehicles, most related to cooking equipment, grease accumulation, LP-gas systems, and electrical installations.
   

4. Need for Clear and Consistent Standards
   Prior to Section 319, requirements were spread across multiple codes and standards, leading to inconsistent enforcement and uncertainty for operators.
   

5. Public Life Safety
   Mobile food vehicles operate close to crowds, buildings, and other vehicles, increasing the potential impact of a fire and the need for uniform fire safety measures.