HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 29-26RECORD OF ORDINANCES
BARRETT BROTHERS - DAYTON, OHIO Form 6220S
| 29-26
| Ordinance No. ——__— Passed. ,
AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 153.002 AND 153.172 AND
ADDING CHAPTER 123 TO THE DUBLIN CODIFIED
ORDINANCES TO ADDRESS FOOD TRUCK OPERATIONS
| WHEREAS, the City of Dublin recognizes a community desire to frequent and be
served by licensed food truck vendors in various areas within the City of Dublin’s
corporate limits, and
WHEREAS, current City Code lacks comprehensive regulations for the safe, regular
operation of food trucks within the entirety of the City of Dublin, and
WHEREAS, it is periodically necessary and proper to amend City Code to protect the
health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Dublin, and
WHEREAS, City staff, through consultation with community stakeholders, has
prepared a proposed Chapter 123 to the City Code, which would provide
comprehensive regulations for the safe, regular operation of food trucks within the
| City of Dublin, and
| WHEREAS, City Council has determined that the proposed Chapter 123 to the City
| Code balances private property interests, safety concerns, and engaging experiences
| in relation to food trucks, and
| NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Dublin, State
of Ohio, Ga of its elected members concurring, that:
Section 1. Sections 153.002(A)(6)(c) and 153.172(C)(4)(f) of the Codified
Ordinances of the City of Dublin are hereby amended, and Chapter 123 is added, all
as set forth in the attachments to this Ordinance.
Section 2. The definitions set forth in Code § 123.01, the operations regulations
set forth in Code §§ 123.04 and 123.05, the operations-enforcement regulations set
forth in Code § 123.08, and the penalty set forth in Code § 123.99 shall each be
effective upon the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 3. The license-related provisions set forth in Code §§ 123.02, 123.03,
123.06, and 123.07 shall be effective on March 1, 2027.
Section 4. This ordinance shall be effective on the earliest date permitted by law.
Passed this day of _/ Ug , 2026.
de,
Mayor — Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
C nati Ot
of Counc
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Megan D. O’Callaghan, City Manager
Date: May 20, 2026
Initiated By: Matt Earman, Director of Parks and Recreation
Jason Anderson, Director of Public Service
Kendel L. Blake, Assistant to the City Manager
Lori Gischel, Events Administrator
Jeffrey Jiang, Performance Management Analyst
Anthony Severyn, Assistant Law Director
Re: Ordinance 29-26 Amendments to Sections 153.002 and 153.172 and Adding
Chapter 123 to the Dublin Codified Ordinances to Address Food Truck
Operations
Summary
The topic of food truck regulations was introduced to City Council on May 11, 2026, to establish a
comprehensive regulatory framework for food truck operations within the City’s corporate limits.
The ordinance includes amendments to existing Dublin Code provisions related to food truck
definitions and operations and creates a new Chapter 123 dedicated to food truck regulations. The
proposed amendments are intended to provide clear standards for operators, support public
safety, minimize conflicts with existing brick-and-mortar businesses and enhance community
vibrancy in appropriate locations.
Proposed Code Amendments
At the May 11 meeting, staff presented the proposed food truck regulations and reviewed the
policy considerations previously discussed by the Public Services Committee. Council expressed
support for updating the Code and establishing citywide regulations that are clear, enforceable and
responsive to the operational needs of the community.
Council also emphasized the importance of using the period between adoption and February 28,
2027, as a “pilot” period to evaluate implementation, designated locations, operational
considerations and community feedback before the formal license requirement takes effect on
March 1, 2027. This delayed effective date would allow the City to evaluate operations, collect
feedback and determine an appropriate license fee through the City’s comprehensive cost study.
During the pilot period, operators will not be required to apply for or maintain a City food truck
license, and all proposed license-related provisions would also not be effective until March 1, 2027.
All operational standards and location requirements, however, would be effective upon the normal
timeline.
Until the formal license requirement takes effect, food truck operators would be asked to submit a
valid and current Food Service Operations License with their first request to reserve time in a
“designated food truck parking zone.” This license is administered under state law, and providing
this license would help ensure that any food truck that operates within the City during the pilot
Office of the City Manager
5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: 614.410.4400 Memo
Memo re. Ordinance 29-26 Food Truck Code Amendments
May 20, 2026
Page 2 of 4
program is maintaining the basic health and safety standards under state law throughout the pilot
program.
A central element of the proposed framework is the designated corridor approach recommended
by the Public Services Committee and supported by Council. Under this approach, food truck
operators can clearly identify where they may operate, rather than assessing whether a desired
parking spot would be unlawful (for any one of many reasons). Designated locations are intended
to balance several priorities, including minimizing competition with existing restaurants,
maintaining safe traffic and pedestrian circulation, supporting parking management and providing
a positive experience for residents, visitors and food truck operators.
Food truck operators would be able to reserve their spot in a designated food truck parking zone in
advance, rather than occupy them on an open or first-come, first-served basis. This proactive-
reservation process would allow the City to manage food truck placement, avoid conflicts with City-
approved events, monitor impacts on surrounding uses and ensure operations occur only in
appropriate locations.
Beginning March 1, 2027, operators would be required to provide documentation confirming they
are authorized and prepared to operate safely and legally. Required documentation would include
a valid Food Service Operations License through the State, a state-issued driver’s license and valid
vehicle registration.
Council was supportive of the 12 designated locations initially proposed by staff and provided
additional locations for consideration. Those additional locations have been incorporated into the
proposed designated food truck parking zone list for the pilot period. Staff will continue to evaluate
each location based on safety, parking availability, proximity to existing restaurants, operational
feasibility and community feedback.
At City Council’s request, staff considered the possibility of locating food trucks within Riverside
Crossing Park rather than in the on-street parking spaces along Riverside Drive. Following an
internal evaluation, staff is not recommending food trucks within the park at this time due to
several site-specific operational and infrastructure concerns. The park’s topography, existing
infrastructure and circulation patterns create limitations for accommodating vehicles of this size.
Food trucks typically weigh between 8 and 10 tons, making it infeasible for them to travel or stage
on the shared use paths without potential impacts to the paths and surrounding infrastructure. Use
of these areas by heavy vehicles also could create accessibility concerns, including potential
impacts to ADA compliance.
In addition, vehicle access would need to occur on the north side of the bridge for both entry and
exit, which presents operational challenges that require further evaluation. Staff also recommend
observing how the space functions during Christkindlmarkt, including how visitors move through
the park, how the space is utilized and whether temporary event operations reveal additional
constraints or opportunities. This will allow the City to make a more informed recommendation
before considering any future food truck operations in Riverside Crossing Park in partnership with
the Riverside Crossing Park Master Plan effort.
Based on Council feedback, the permissible on-street parking area for food trucks along Riverside
Drive has been reduced to the northern portion of the road. While this adjustment will help limit
congestion and keep sidewalks clear, staff remains concerned about food truck compliance with
the designated parking area, potential jaywalking by patrons and whether food truck operators will
find those spaces desirable or practical for service. Staff also continues to have concerns about
potential safety impacts along this high-traffic corridor.
Memo re. Ordinance 29-26 Food Truck Code Amendments
May 20, 2026
Page 3 of 4
Council also requested that staff evaluate whether a revenue-sharing model could be established
for food trucks operating at sports complexes where a partner organization currently manages on-
site concessions. After further review, staff and the Law Department do not recommend moving
forward with this approach. A revenue-sharing arrangement could create various legal and
administrative concerns. It also could create inconsistencies between food truck operators based
on location and complicate the City’s ability to administer the program in a clear and uniform
manner. For these reasons, staff recommend maintaining the proposed designated-location
framework without establishing a revenue-sharing requirement for food trucks operating at sports
complexes.
Council also suggested revising the penalty provisions to include a progressive disciplinary
approach rather than proceeding directly to a third-degree misdemeanor. Staff and the Law
Department believes that this suggestion may stem largely from a potential miscommunication
during a colloquy at the May 11 meeting concerning penalties and enforcement procedures. As
presented at the May 11 meeting, proposed Code § 123.99(A) states that it is a third-degree
misdemeanor to violate proposed Code §§ 123.02, 123.06, and 123.07. That is because each of
these provisions concern operations under a valid food truck license and ensuring that the
information upon which a food truck license is to be issued remains accurate while the food truck
operator is operating under the license. These actions are at the core of the proposed Chapter
123, and they relate to a food truck operator’s truthfulness and intention to fully comply with the
purpose of the licensing process. Thus, staff and the Law Department believe that a third-degree
misdemeanor is warranted based on the seriousness of the offenses.
Code § 123.99(B), on the other hand, covers the remaining provisions of proposed Chapter 123, all
of which regulate food truck operations, such as park locations and hours of operation. Unlike
Code § 123.99(A), Code § 123.99(B) is progressive in nature: for a first offense under any specific
operations subsection, a minor misdemeanor; for a second offense of the same operations
subsection, a fourth-degree misdemeanor; and for any subsequent violation of the same
operations subsection, a third-degree misdemeanor. The punishment escalates based on the food
truck operator’s decision to repeatedly violate the operations subsection.
Finally, the actors with enforcement authority under proposed Code § 123.08 may exercise
appropriate discretion to educate food truck operators on proper compliance before exercising
their authority to notice any violations or issue citations. Thus, the current enforcement and
penalty paradigm is already structured in a manner that matches the attendant criminal culpability
and balances enforcement priorities with opportunities to educate food truck operators (as
appropriate).
The Law Department made minor scrivener’s edits to the draft code language that was provided
for review at the May 11 meeting. Unless otherwise discussed in this memorandum, such edits are
non-substantive and intended to clarify the code’s stated intent, remove redundancies and ensure
section cross-references are accurate.
Education Plan
Education will be a critical component of the pilot program. Staff will develop a clear and
accessible webpage outlining the license and application process, designated food truck parking
zones, reservation procedures, operational requirements and dates or locations that may be
unavailable due to City-approved events.
Memo re. Ordinance 29-26 Food Truck Code Amendments
May 20, 2026
Page 4 of 4
Staff will also prepare user-friendly graphics and quick-reference materials to help operators,
property owners and the public understand the new regulations. Through the benchmarking
process, staff identified the Central Ohio Food Truck Association (COFTA) as a potential outreach
partner. The association could help share information with its membership and support broader
awareness among food truck operators. Food truck operators use Street Food Finder to book
locations, while members of the public use it to locate food trucks in their area. Staff plans to meet
with Street Food Finder before May 26 to determine whether Dublin can use this existing resource
to support food truck operations.
Recommendation
Adoption of Ordinance 29-26 at the second reading/public hearing on June 8, 2026.
1
Chapter 123: Food Trucks
123.01: DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Chapter 123, the following words and terms have these meanings:
“City–Approved Event” means any activity or gathering or assemblage of people upon public
property or in the public right-of-way for which a street closure or Community Event Permit has
been issued, or other permission granted in writing, by the City of Dublin.
“Community Park” means any park designated as a community park either in the City of Dublin
Parks & Recreation Master Plan or by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee.
“Designated Food Truck Parking Zone” means a public parking space, grouping of public parking
spaces, or any other area that the City Manager or the Manager’s designee has designated as a
lawful location upon which a food truck may operate.
“Food Truck” means any apparatus or equipment that is used to cook, prepare, and/or serve food
and/or beverage, and that routinely changes or can change location and is operated from a
moveable vehicle or apparatus, including but not limited to motorized vehicles trailers, and hand
propelled carts.
“Food Truck Application” means the application form on which a food truck operator applies for
a food truck license, submitted to the City Manager or the Manager’s designee on a form provided
by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee or through an approved electronic application
process.
“Food Truck License” means an official document issued by the City Manager or the Manager’s
designee authorizing the operation of a food truck within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin
for up to one year.
“Food Truck Operations Equipment” means the equipment that a food truck operator needs to
operate their food truck, including all cooking equipment, food preparation equipment,
refrigeration and/or cold-storage equipment, hot-holding and/or warming equipment, sanitation
and hygiene equipment, power equipment, fuel sources, ventilation systems, fire safety and
emergency equipment, service and customer-facing equipment, and storage and organization
equipment, but excluding any tables or auxiliary stations that the food truck operator provides
solely for customer use as permitted within this Chapter.
“Food Truck Operator” means an owner and/or operator of a food truck that operates or seeks to
operate within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin subject to this Chapter.
“Ice Cream Truck” means a food truck from which frozen desserts of any kind are carried, sold,
stored, and/or dispensed for purposes of retail sale, or offered for retail sale, while such food truck
it is operating within the public rights of way.
2
“Neighborhood Park” means any park designated as a neighborhood park either in the City of
Dublin Parks & Recreation Master Plan or by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee.
123.02: LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIRED FOR OPERATION
(A) No individual or organization shall operate, or cause to be operated, any food truck
within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin without a valid food truck license and
all required licenses issued in accordance with the laws and regulations established in
the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio Administrative Code, and the City of Dublin Codified
Ordinances, as applicable.
(B) The fee for a food truck license shall be as set forth from time to time by ordinance.
(C) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as superseding, supplanting, or otherwise
replacing any duty imposed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3701 or 3717, or rules or
regulations promulgated thereunder, upon an application for a health license, or upon a
department of health in the conduct of its responsibilities relative to food trucks.
123.03: FOOD TRUCK APPLICATION
(A) Before any food truck may operate within the limits of the City of Dublin subject to
Section 123.02, the food truck operator shall submit a food truck application, which
shall request from the food truck operator at least the following information:
(1) The name, permanent address, telephone number(s), and e-mail address(es) of
the food truck operator;
(2) The business name or DBA, permanent address, and telephone number of the
food truck business if different from the food truck operator ’s information;
(3) A copy of the food truck operator’s Mobile Food Service Operation License,
issued in accordance with Chapter 3717 of the Ohio Revised Code;
(4) A copy of the food truck operator’s State of Ohio Transient License (if
applicable);
(5) A copy of the food truck operator’s valid State-issued vehicle registration (if
applicable);
(6) A copy of the food truck operator’s valid State-issued driver’s license; and
(7) A copy of the valid State-issued driver’s license of every current employee
whom the food truck operator intends to allow to drive the food truck or operate
a vehicle that transports the food truck from one place to another, excluding
emergency towing.
The City Manager or the Manager’s designee may request additional information from
the food truck operator through the food truck application. A food truck application
submission is not considered to be complete until the food truck operator has provided,
3
to the City Manager or Manager’s designee’s satisfaction, all information requested in
the food truck application.
(B) A food truck operator must submit a separate food truck application for each and every
food truck that they intend to operate within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin.
(C) Within fifteen (15) business days of receiving a complete food truck application, the
City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall examine the food truck application and
provide a written determination in response to it. During this period, the City Manager
or the Manager’s designee may make, or cause to be made, any further investigation
into such food truck application as they deem necessary, and they may extend the
review period up to an additional fifteen (15) business days as needed to complete such
further investigation.
(D) The City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall provide a written determination in
response to each complete food truck application submission. If a complete food truck
application is denied, then the reasons for such denial will be provided to the food truck
operator in writing. If a complete food truck application is approved, then the food
truck operator shall register the food truck with the City of Dublin Division of Taxation
before beginning operations under the license.
123.04: OPERATIONS
(A) Within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin, food truck operators shall not:
(1) Fail to display on or within the food truck the licensure mark issued under this
Chapter;
(2) Fail to ensure that all food truck operations equipment is contained within or on
the food truck, including while operating the food truck ;
(3) Use speakers or audio amplification for any purpose, unless the food truck
operator is operating an ice cream truck and such amplified sound falls within
the noise/sound amplification parameters set forth in Section 72.021 of this
Code;
(4) Be open for business or otherwise operate, on any given day, before 7:00 a.m.
or after 10:00 p.m., unless permitted to operate outside of these hours as part of
a City-Approved Event;
(5) On any given day, park their food truck upon public property or parking
space(s) between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and
11:59 p.m., unless permitted to do so as part of a City-Approved Event;
(6) Tap into or otherwise use a power or water source belonging to the City of
Dublin, any private party, or any other business to operate their food truck,
unless the food truck operator has obtained the written consent of the party
responsible for such power or water source;
4
(7) Use an independent fuel source that produces or disperses noxious smoke or
fumes, or an engine or generator power source that produces unreasonable
noise, such that it violates the noise parameters set forth in Section 72.021 of
this Code;
(8) Operate their food truck in such a way, or in such a location, that such operation:
interferes with City–permitted functions; or orients the food truck’s service
window or other service area towards a public street or vehicular traffic; or
otherwise impedes the reasonable flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian foot
traffic;
(9) Set up or otherwise distribute, for customer use: a) any tables or auxiliary
stations unless such tables or auxiliary stations are located within ten (10) feet
from the food truck; or b) any chairs or apparatuses for seating regardless of
their proximity to the food truck;
(10) Set up or display any signage, unless such display or signage is associated solely
with the food truck and is located within ten (10) feet from the food truck;
(11) Dispose of any liquid waste or grease in tree pits or storm drains or onto the
sidewalks, streets, trash cans, or other public space ; or
(12) Cause or allow the food truck to be left unattended for any period of time.
(B) A food truck shall not operate within the City of Dublin unless the food truck isy are
parked lawfully and fully within in a designated food truck parking zone.
(C) Notwithstanding subsection (B), a food truck may operate, subject to the following
conditions, upon:
(1) A neighborhood street, if the food truck is lawfully parked thereon and has
received written permission to operate at that location by an applicable
homeowner’s association, civic association, or similarly organized group of
residents, or as part of a neighborhood event that has been allowed or
recognized by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee;
(2) Any non-asphalt or non-concrete surface in connection with a City–Approved
Event, if directed to park and operate thereon by the organizer of the event or
their designee, or if such surface is within private property;
(3) Private property with a residential primary use in connection with a single-day
event on the property, if they have both received written permission from the
property owner to operate thereon and serve only those individuals whom the
property owner has invited to the event;
(4) Private property with a non-residential primary use, a mixed-use parcel, or a
vacant commercial parcel, if they do so for no more than fourteen (14) calendar
days in a month and subject to the property owner’s written consent for such
operation; and
5
(5) A neighborhood street or neighborhood park, if and only if the food truck is an
ice cream truck and such operations are both safe and do not impede the flow
of vehicular or pedestrian foot traffic thereon.
123.05: CITY–APPROVED EVENTS
(A) No food truck may operate within one thousand (1,000) feet of a City–Approved Event
unless: a) such operation is occurring exclusively as a subset of a City-Approved event;
or b) the food truck has received written consent to do so from the organization or entity
holding the City–Approved Event to do so.
(B) A food truck may operate without a City of Dublin food truck license if such operation
occurs exclusively as a subset of a City–Approved Event and if all such operations
occur within the approved areas and time frames of such event.
123.06: EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL
(A) Each food truck license is valid from the date of its issuance until the final day of
February in the subsequent calendar year.
(B) Upon the change of any information that must be submitted with a food truck
application, the food truck operator shall provide to the City Manager or the Manager’s
designee the updated information within ten (10) business days.
(C) No earlier than forty-five (45) days before the expiration of a food truck license issued
under this Chapter, but no later than fifteen (15) days before the expiration of such
license, the food truck operator may seek a renewal food truck license.
(a) As part of the food-truck-license renewal process, the food truck operator shall:
(1) Request such renewal in writing;
(2) Certify that all licenses and other information required in the initial food
truck application are current and provide updated or current copies of
such licenses;
(3) Acknowledge that any false or misleading statements in the renewal
application may be sufficient cause to revoke the current food truck
license and deny the renewal application; and
(4) Pay the applicable food truck license fee, as required by Section
123.02(B).
(b) Applications for renewals of food truck licenses may be given expedited
processing.
(D) If the food truck operator fails to seek renewal within the timeframe specified in this
Section, then the applicable food truck license will expire at the end of the one-year
period set forth in this Section. The food truck operator may submit a complete food
6
truck application at any time after the renewal period set forth in this Section lapses ;
however, the food truck operator shall not operate the applicable food truck during the
time between the expiration of the food truck license and the issuance of a subsequent
food truck license.
(E) The City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall approve or deny a food truck license
renewal application under the same conditions as the initial approval of the food truck
license. Additionally, the City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall deny a food
truck license renewal application if the food truck operator has not previously
registered, or has not properly maintained the registration of, the food truck with the
City of Dublin Division of Taxation.
123.07: LICENSE TRANSFERS PROHIBITED
(A) Anyll food truck licenses issued under this Chapter isare non-transferrable and cannot
be assigned by the licensee to any other individual or organization, or to any other food
truck. No food truck operator shall transfer or attempt to transfer a food truck license
issued under this Chapter under any circumstances.
(B) If a food truck operator sells a food truck that is licensed or permitted under this Chapter
while the food truck license is still in effect, the succeeding food truck operator must
comply with the food truck application, inspection, and fee requirements of this
Chapter before operating such food truck within the corporate limits of the City of
Dublin.
123.08: ENFORCEMENT
(A) Any code enforcement officer or police officer shall have the authority to enforce the
provisions of this Chapter at any time, including but not limited to upon the receipt of
a complaint.
(B) The Washington Township Fire Department shall have the authority to inspect any food
truck for any fire-related performance issue or operational deficiency. Upon the
discovery of such a fire-related performance issue or operational deficiency, the
Washington Township Fire Department may temporarily suspend the food truck
operator’s right to operate the food truck within the corporate limits of the City of
Dublin until the performance issue or operational deficiency is remediated to the
Washington Township Fire Department’s satisfaction.
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123.09: SUSPENSION; REVOCATION; APPEALS
(A) The City Manager or the Manager’s designee may revoke at any time any food truck
license issued under the provisions of this Chapter for violation of any provision of this
Chapter, or one or more of the following reasons:
(1) Fraud, misrepresentation or bribery in securing a license or during the course
of business;
(2) Failure to display the food truck license issued under this Chapter while
operating within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin ;
(3) Failure to have valid permits or licenses required by this Chapter;
(4) Conviction of any criminal or traffic offense while using a food truck or
conviction of any criminal offense involving theft or fraud;
(5) For any of the reasons which could have been grounds for refusing to issue the
original license; or
(6) Knowingly allowing another person to use such licensed food truck in violation
of any provision of this Chapter.
(B) Any person who has applied for a food truck license in accordance with this Chapter
and to whom the City Manager or the Manager’s designee has, after an investigation,
denied a food truck license; or any person who has had a food truck license be not
renewed; or any person who has had a food truck license revoked or suspended, may
appeal such determination to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(C) Notice of an appeal shall be filed in accordance with Code § 153.231. Such appeal shall
be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals at the next regular meeting, unless the food
truck operator requests a later date, in accordance with Code §153.231, including all
rights of appeal.
123.99: PENALTY
(A) Whoever violates Sections 123.02, 123.076, or 123.087 of this Chapter shall be guilty
of a third-degree misdemeanor.
(B) Whoever violates any other Section of this Chapter shall be guilty of a minor
misdemeanor for the first offense of any respective subsection;. a fourth-degree
misdemeanor for a second offense of the same subsection;, and a third-degree
misdemeanor for third and any subsequent offense of the same subsection.
(C) Each day on which any such activities are conducted in violation of this Chapter shall
constitute a separate offense.
0127206.0607929 4903-0427-3323v1
1
Chapter 123: Food Trucks
123.01: DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Chapter 123, the following words and terms have these meanings:
“City–Approved Event” means any activity or gathering or assemblage of people upon public
property or in the public right-of-way for which a street closure or Community Event Permit has
been issued, or other permission granted in writing, by the City of Dublin.
“Community Park” means any park designated as a community park either in the City of Dublin
Parks & Recreation Master Plan or by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee.
“Designated Food Truck Parking Zone” means a public parking space, grouping of public parking
spaces, or any other area that the City Manager or the Manager’s designee has designated as a
lawful location upon which a food truck may operate.
“Food Truck” means any apparatus or equipment that is used to cook, prepare, and/or serve food
and/or beverage, and that routinely changes or can change location and is operated from a
moveable vehicle or apparatus, including but not limited to motorized vehicles trailers, and hand
propelled carts.
“Food Truck Application” means the application form on which a food truck operator applies for
a food truck license, submitted to the City Manager or the Manager’s designee on a form provided
by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee or through an approved electronic application
process.
“Food Truck License” means an official document issued by the City Manager or the Manager’s
designee authorizing the operation of a food truck within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin
for up to one year.
“Food Truck Operations Equipment” means the equipment that a food truck operator needs to
operate their food truck, including all cooking equipment, food preparation equipment,
refrigeration and/or cold-storage equipment, hot-holding and/or warming equipment, sanitation
and hygiene equipment, power equipment, fuel sources, ventilation systems, fire safety and
emergency equipment, service and customer-facing equipment, and storage and organization
equipment, but excluding any tables or auxiliary stations that the food truck operator provides
solely for customer use as permitted within this Chapter.
“Food Truck Operator” means an owner and/or operator of a food truck that operates or seeks to
operate within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin subject to this Chapter.
“Ice Cream Truck” means a food truck from which frozen desserts of any kind are carried, sold,
stored, and/or dispensed for purposes of retail sale, or offered for retail sale, while such food truck
it is operating within the public rights of way.
2
“Neighborhood Park” means any park designated as a neighborhood park either in the City of
Dublin Parks & Recreation Master Plan or by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee.
123.02: LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIRED FOR OPERATION
(A) No individual or organization shall operate, or cause to be operated, any food truck
within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin without a valid food truck license and
all required licenses issued in accordance with the laws and regulations established in
the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio Administrative Code, and the City of Dublin Codified
Ordinances, as applicable.
(B) The fee for a food truck license shall be as set forth from time to time by ordinance.
(C) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as superseding, supplanting, or otherwise
replacing any duty imposed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3701 or 3717, or rules or
regulations promulgated thereunder, upon an application for a health license, or upon a
department of health in the conduct of its responsibilities relative to food trucks.
123.03: FOOD TRUCK APPLICATION
(A) Before any food truck may operate within the limits of the City of Dublin subject to
Section 123.02, the food truck operator shall submit a food truck application, which
shall request from the food truck operator at least the following information:
(1) The name, permanent address, telephone number(s), and e-mail address(es) of
the food truck operator;
(2) The business name or DBA, permanent address, and telephone number of the
food truck business if different from the food truck operator ’s information;
(3) A copy of the food truck operator ’s Mobile Food Service Operation License,
issued in accordance with Chapter 3717 of the Ohio Revised Code;
(4) A copy of the food truck operator’s State of Ohio Transient License (if
applicable);
(5) A copy of the food truck operator’s valid State-issued vehicle registration (if
applicable);
(6) A copy of the food truck operator’s valid State-issued driver’s license; and
(7) A copy of the valid State-issued driver’s license of every current employee
whom the food truck operator intends to allow to drive the food truck or operate
a vehicle that transports the food truck from one place to another, excluding
emergency towing.
The City Manager or the Manager’s designee may request additional information from
the food truck operator through the food truck application. A food truck application
submission is not considered to be complete until the food truck operator has provided,
3
to the City Manager or Manager’s designee’s satisfaction, all information requested in
the food truck application.
(B) A food truck operator must submit a separate food truck application for each and every
food truck that they intend to operate within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin.
(C) Within fifteen (15) business days of receiving a complete food truck application, the
City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall examine the food truck application and
provide a written determination in response to it. During this period, the City Manager
or the Manager’s designee may make, or cause to be made, any further investigation
into such food truck application as they deem necessary, and they may extend the
review period up to an additional fifteen (15) business days as needed to complete such
further investigation.
(D) The City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall provide a written determination in
response to each complete food truck application submission. If a complete food truck
application is denied, then the reasons for such denial will be provided to the food truck
operator in writing. If a complete food truck application is approved, then the food
truck operator shall register the food truck with the City of Dublin Division of Taxation
before beginning operations under the license.
123.04: OPERATIONS
(A) Within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin, food truck operators shall not:
(1) Fail to display on or within the food truck the licensure mark issued under this
Chapter;
(2) Fail to ensure that all food truck operations equipment is contained within or on
the food truck, including while operating the food truck;
(3) Use speakers or audio amplification for any purpose, unless the food truck
operator is operating an ice cream truck and such amplified sound falls within
the noise/sound amplification parameters set forth in Section 72.021 of this
Code;
(4) Be open for business or otherwise operate, on any given day, before 7:00 a.m.
or after 10:00 p.m., unless permitted to operate outside of these hours as part of
a City-Approved Event;
(5) On any given day, park their food truck upon public property or parking
space(s) between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and
11:59 p.m., unless permitted to do so as part of a City-Approved Event;
(6) Tap into or otherwise use a power or water source belonging to the City of
Dublin, any private party, or any other business to operate their food truck,
unless the food truck operator has obtained the written consent of the party
responsible for such power or water source;
4
(7) Use an independent fuel source that produces or disperses noxious smoke or
fumes, or an engine or generator power source that produces unreasonable
noise, such that it violates the noise parameters set forth in Section 72.021 of
this Code;
(8) Operate their food truck in such a way, or in such a location, that such operation:
interferes with City–permitted functions; or orients the food truck’s service
window or other service area towards a public street or vehicular traffic; or
otherwise impedes the reasonable flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian foot
traffic;
(9) Set up or otherwise distribute, for customer use: a) any tables or auxiliary
stations unless such tables or auxiliary stations are located within ten (10) feet
from the food truck; or b) any chairs or apparatuses for seating regardless of
their proximity to the food truck;
(10) Set up or display any signage, unless such display or signage is associated solely
with the food truck and is located within ten (10) feet from the food truck;
(11) Dispose of any liquid waste or grease in tree pits or storm drains or onto the
sidewalks, streets, trash cans, or other public space; or
(12) Cause or allow the food truck to be left unattended for any period of time.
(B) A food truck shall not operate within the City of Dublin unless the food truck is parked
lawfully and fully within in a designated food truck parking zone.
(C) Notwithstanding subsection (B), a food truck may operate, subject to the following
conditions, upon:
(1) A neighborhood street, if the food truck is lawfully parked thereon and has
received written permission to operate at that location by an applicable
homeowner’s association, civic association, or similarly organized group of
residents, or as part of a neighborhood event that has been allowed or
recognized by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee;
(2) Any surface in connection with a City–Approved Event, if directed to park and
operate thereon by the organizer of the event or their designee;
(3) Private property with a residential primary use in connection with a single-day
event on the property, if they have both received written permission from the
property owner to operate thereon and serve only those individuals whom the
property owner has invited to the event;
(4) Private property with a non-residential primary use, a mixed-use parcel, or a
vacant commercial parcel, if they do so for no more than fourteen (14) calendar
days in a month and subject to the property owner’s written consent for such
operation; and
(5) A neighborhood street or neighborhood park, if and only if the food truck is an
ice cream truck and such operations do not impede the flow of vehicular or
pedestrian foot traffic thereon.
5
123.05: CITY–APPROVED EVENTS
(A) No food truck may operate within one thousand (1,000) feet of a City–Approved Event
unless: a) such operation is occurring exclusively as a subset of a City-Approved event;
or b) the food truck has received written consent to do so from the organization or entity
holding the City–Approved Event.
(B) A food truck may operate without a City of Dublin food truck license if such operation
occurs exclusively as a subset of a City–Approved Event and if all such operations
occur within the approved areas and time frames of such event.
123.06: EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL
(A) Each food truck license is valid from the date of its issuance until the final day of
February in the subsequent calendar year.
(B) Upon the change of any information that must be submitted with a food truck
application, the food truck operator shall provide to the City Manager or the Manager’s
designee the updated information within ten (10) business days.
(C) No earlier than forty-five (45) days before the expiration of a food truck license issued
under this Chapter, but no later than fifteen (15) days before the expiration of such
license, the food truck operator may seek a renewal food truck license.
(a) As part of the food-truck-license renewal process, the food truck operator shall:
(1) Request such renewal in writing;
(2) Certify that all licenses and other information required in the initial food
truck application are current and provide updated or current copies of
such licenses;
(3) Acknowledge that any false or misleading statements in the renewal
application may be sufficient cause to revoke the current food truck
license and deny the renewal application; and
(4) Pay the applicable food truck license fee, as required by Section
123.02(B).
(b) Applications for renewals of food truck licenses may be given expedited
processing.
(D) If the food truck operator fails to seek renewal within the timeframe specified in this
Section, then the applicable food truck license will expire at the end of the period set
forth in this Section. The food truck operator may submit a complete food truck
application at any time after the renewal period set forth in this Section lapses; however,
the food truck operator shall not operate the applicable food truck during the time
between the expiration of the food truck license and the issuance of a subsequent food
truck license.
6
(E) The City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall approve or deny a food truck license
renewal application under the same conditions as the initial approval of the food truck
license. Additionally, the City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall deny a food
truck license renewal application if the food truck operator has not previously
registered, or has not properly maintained the registration of, the food truck with the
City of Dublin Division of Taxation.
123.07: LICENSE TRANSFERS PROHIBITED
(A) Any food truck license issued under this Chapter is non-transferrable and cannot be
assigned by the licensee to any other individual or organization, or to any other food
truck. No food truck operator shall transfer or attempt to transfer a food truck license
issued under this Chapter under any circumstances.
(B) If a food truck operator sells a food truck that is licensed or permitted under this Chapter
while the food truck license is still in effect, the succeeding food truck operator must
comply with the food truck application, inspection, and fee requirements of this
Chapter before operating such food truck within the corporate limits of the City of
Dublin.
123.08: ENFORCEMENT
(A) Any code enforcement officer or police officer shall have the authority to enforce the
provisions of this Chapter at any time, including but not limited to upon the receipt of
a complaint.
(B) The Washington Township Fire Department shall have the authority to inspect any food
truck for any fire-related performance issue or operational deficiency. Upon the
discovery of such a fire-related performance issue or operational deficiency, the
Washington Township Fire Department may temporarily suspend the food truck
operator’s right to operate the food truck within the corporate limits of the City of
Dublin until the performance issue or operational deficiency is remediated to the
Washington Township Fire Department’s satisfaction.
7
123.09: SUSPENSION; REVOCATION; APPEALS
(A) The City Manager or the Manager’s designee may revoke at any time any food truck
license issued under the provisions of this Chapter for violation of any provision of this
Chapter, or one or more of the following reasons:
(1) Fraud, misrepresentation or bribery in securing a license or during the course
of business;
(2) Failure to display the food truck license issued under this Chapter while
operating within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin;
(3) Failure to have valid permits or licenses required by this Chapter;
(4) Conviction of any criminal or traffic offense while using a food truck or
conviction of any criminal offense involving theft or fraud;
(5) For any of the reasons which could have been grounds for refusing to issue the
original license; or
(6) Knowingly allowing another person to use such licensed food truck in violation
of any provision of this Chapter.
(B) Any person who has applied for a food truck license in accordance with this Chapter
and to whom the City Manager or the Manager’s designee has, after an investigation,
denied a food truck license; or any person who has had a food truck license be not
renewed; or any person who has had a food truck license revoked or suspended, may
appeal such determination to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(C) Notice of an appeal shall be filed in accordance with Code § 153.231. Such appeal shall
be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals at the next regular meeting, unless the food
truck operator requests a later date, in accordance with Code §153.231, including all
rights of appeal.
123.99: PENALTY
(A) Whoever violates Sections 123.02, 123.06, or 123.07 of this Chapter shall be guilty of
a third-degree misdemeanor.
(B) Whoever violates any other Section of this Chapter shall be guilty of a minor
misdemeanor for the first offense of any respective subsection; a fourth-degree
misdemeanor for a second offense of the same subsection; and a third-degree
misdemeanor for third and any subsequent offense of the same subsection.
(C) Each day on which any such activities are conducted in violation of this Chapter shall
constitute a separate offense.
0127206.0607929 4903-0427-3323v1
§ 153.002 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly
indicates or requires a different meaning, as determined by the Director.
(A) Uses definitions.
* * *
(6) Uses definitions - F
(a) FAMILY. A family consists of any person living alone or any of the following groups
living together as a single housekeeping unit that shares common living, sleeping, cooking, and
eating facilities: (1) any number of people related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship,
or other duly and legally authorized custodial relationship and no more than two unrelated
individuals who provide care or assistance or are domestic employees, (2) two unrelated
individuals and their children related to either of them and their foster children, or (3) four
unrelated individuals. A family does not include any society; club; boarding or lodging house;
fraternity; sorority; or group of individuals whose association is seasonal or similar in nature to
a resort, motel, hotel, boarding or lodging house, nor that is institutional in nature.
(b) FARMERS MARKET. An area, which may or may not be in a completely enclosed
building, where on designated days and times, growers and producers of horticultural and
agricultural products may sell those products and/or other incidental items directly to the public.
(c) FOOD TRUCK. A mobile food and beverage unit which is temporarily stored on a
privately-owned lot where food items are sold to the general public. May be motorized or
unmotorized. Food truck includes food vehicle, food trailer, food cart, and temporary
commercial structures designed for the sale of food and beverages accessory to the primary
structure/use.
(d) FUELING/SERVICE STATION. A facility used primarily for the sale of vehicle
fuels, oils or accessories. Services may include maintenance and lubrication of automobiles and
replacement or installation of minor parts and accessories but shall not include major repair
work such as engine or transmission replacement, body and fender repair or spray painting.
This use may include the retail sales of convenience goods.
* * *
0127206.0607929 4923-5109-4955v1
§ 153.172 USES.
* * *
(C) Use specific standards.
* * *
(4) Accessory and temporary uses.
* * *
(f) [Repealed]Food trucks.
1. Each food truck shall maintain all valid licenses required by the city, county
or state for operation of a business including but not limited to all applicable licenses for
a food service business.
2. Each food truck intended to be moved by a motorized vehicle shall
maintain a valid registration within the most recent 12-month period.
3. For property with a residential primary use, food trucks may operate on a
property for no more than six hours per calendar month, and in no case may be stored
on a property outside an enclosed structure. No food truck shall operate before 8:00
a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
4. For a property with a non-residential primary use, mixed-use, or a vacant
commercial parcel, may not operate on a property for more than 14 calendar days per
month, and no food truck shall operate before 6:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
5. Food trucks located within the right-of-way shall be subject to the City of
Dublin Police regulations and enforcement.
6. Each food truck shall provide a trash receptacle near the food truck, shall
prevent the accumulation of litter or containers from the food truck within 50 feet of the
food truck, and shall remove and empty the trash receptacle in a permitted location
when the food truck ends sales for the day.
7. Food trucks shall not impede safe site circulation, as determined by the City
Engineer.
8. Food trucks shall not use speakers or audio amplification. All associated
equipment shall be contained within or on the food truck.
* * *
0127206.0607929 4938-3542-0587v1
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Megan D. O’Callaghan, City Manager
Date: May 5, 2026
Initiated By: Jennifer Rauch, AICP, Director of Community Planning & Development
Jean-Ellen Willis, P.E., Director of Transportation & Mobility
Alison LeRoy, Director of Community Events
Kendel L. Blake, Assistant to the City Manager
Lori Gischel, Events Administrator
Jeffrey Jiang, Performance Management Analyst
Anthony Severyn, Assistant Law Director
Re: Food Truck Regulations – Public Services Committee Recommendations
Background
Food trucks in Dublin currently operate primarily through City-sponsored and community events,
within the Historic District (subject to zoning requirements), in designated on-street locations, and
on private property. Regulatory oversight is limited.
The Zoning Code addresses food truck operations only within the Historic District, with provisions
related to hours of operation, noise, signage, circulation, and waste management. Outside of the
Historic District, food truck activity remains largely unregulated. Relevant Zoning Code sections
(153.002, 153.172, and 96.24) are included for reference.
The City does not currently offer a permitting process for independent food truck operations in
parks, where commercial activity is prohibited without a permit. While this restricts activity, the
Community Events Roadmap identifies food trucks as a strategic opportunity to enhance
community events and visitor experiences when appropriately managed.
On September 8, 2025, City Council referred the Food Truck Policy to the Public Services
Committee (Committee). On October 8, 2025, staff provided an overview of the background
related to food trucks, current permitted uses, benchmarking of other municipalities requirements,
and regulations to consider. At the October 8 Public Services Committee meeting, Committee
members provided feedback and regarding potential future regulation of food trucks.
As part of the October 8 discussion, Committee members asked staff to prepare a map identifying
all potential locations where food trucks could operate outside of the required twenty-five-foot (25
ft) radial separation from the primary entrance of brick-and-mortar food and beverage
establishments. This proposed radius was intended to serve primarily as a buffer between brick-
and-mortar food and beverage establishments and food trucks.
In response, staff developed comprehensive draft code to establish a clear regulatory framework
for food truck operations. The draft code is intended to balance support for brick-and-mortar
businesses with the goal of enhancing vibrancy citywide. The draft code establishes a clear
licensing process for food truck operations and generally aligns Dublin’s standards with those of
neighboring communities’ codified ordinances and policies.
Office of the City Manager
5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: 614.410.4400 Memo
Memo re. Food Truck Regulations – Public Services Committee Recommendations
May 5, 2026
Page 2 of 4
On April 15, the Committee reviewed the proposed draft code amendments, evaluated the
practicality of the initial 25-foot-radius request, and provided substantive feedback. Among other
feedback, the Committee ultimately advised that the most effective approach would be to clearly
identify where food truck operators would be permitted, rather than where they are prohibited.
The Committee expressed a preference for a designated-corridor model that prioritizes minimizing
competition with restaurants, ensuring safety, and supporting a positive user experience. The
Commission requested staff to identify locations within the City that meet these criteria and to
return with revised draft code language and proposed locations for full Council review.
Summary
In response to the Committee’s feedback, staff refined a series of code amendments intended to
modernize, clarify, and consolidate regulations governing food truck operations within the City’s
corporate limits. Specifically, the draft would repeal the two zoning-code-specific sections dealing
with food trucks: 1) Section 153.002(A)(6)(c), which defined food trucks; and 2) Section
153.172(C)(3)(f), which regulated their operations within Historic Dublin. These provisions are
outdated and fragmented, contributing to confusion for operators and challenges in consistent
enforcement, especially outside of this limited area.
To address these issues and in response to the Committee’s feedback, staff members drafted a
proposed Chapter 123 within the City Code, which is dedicated exclusively to food truck
regulations and operations. Establishing a standalone chapter will consolidate all existing and
future food truck requirements into a single, cohesive section of the Code, improving clarity and
usability for operators. Chapter 123 will include standardized definitions; establish a clear license
requirement for food truck operators; and codify procedural regulations governing application
submittals, license renewals, operational standards and special event participation.
After evaluating existing state- and county-level food truck licensing requirements, staff are
proposing a pilot program running from Council adoption through March 1, 2027. This timeline
aligns with the county’s license renewal process. During the pilot period, staff will focus on
education while also evaluating compliance, designated corridor locations, and the location
registration process, as well as operational impacts such as traffic, parking, and site activity. Staff
will also assess community feedback, economic impacts to surrounding businesses, administrative
effectiveness, and overall program performance to inform any future operational changes. No
license fee will be charged during the pilot period, and a future fee will be determined through the
City’s cost study. However, the operational restrictions and guidelines set forth in the proposed
Chapter 123 would be enforceable upon the ordinance’s effective date.
For Council’s awareness, staff is concurrently advancing implementation of the Downtown Dublin
Curbside Management Plan, which includes the introduction of two-hour parking restrictions
throughout the Bridge Street District. This change is anticipated to occur in the near term and is
relevant as food trucks are proposed to be permitted in two designated locations within the
District. Staff will provide an update to Council on the implementation of the Curbside Management
Plan at an upcoming Council meeting and will continue to evaluate how these parking
modifications affect food truck operations throughout the pilot program.
The draft code is intended to improve transparency, consistency, and efficiency in the
administration of food truck operations citywide, consistent with the Downtown Dublin Curbside
Management Plan’s recommendation to establish clear guidelines.
Memo re. Food Truck Regulations – Public Services Committee Recommendations
May 5, 2026
Page 3 of 4
Additional Considerations
Visit Dublin Board and Hospitality Industry
Staff engaged Visit Dublin to solicit their feedback on the draft code, which was discussed at the
April 8 Visit Dublin Board meeting. Feedback from the Board and the local hospitality industry
reflects general support for food trucks as a way to enhance community vibrancy and visitor
experience when implemented thoughtfully. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of a
balanced, event-focused approach, recommending that food trucks be primarily limited to
permitted events or carefully designated areas. Concerns were raised regarding potential impacts
on brick-and-mortar businesses, particularly in high-traffic corridors such as Riverside Drive and
High Street, citing issues such as safety, congestion, parking, and direct competition. Overall, the
feedback supports establishing clear regulations and standards while prioritizing fairness, public
safety, and the long-term economic health of Dublin’s existing business community. See attached
memo from the Visit Dublin Board of Directors.
Staff shares these concerns, particularly as they relate to safety.
Sports Complexes – Partner Organizations
The City of Dublin has identified three primary sports complexes in its Parks and Recreation Master
Plan: Darree Fields, Avery Park, and Emerald Fields. Two of these sites currently maintain
partnerships with youth organizations that operate on-site concession services. While these
agreements do not include non-compete provisions, concession revenue represents a meaningful
funding source for these organizations.
Staff has received feedback from these partners in the past regarding the presence of food trucks
at park facilities and is raising this as a concern. Committee members noted that concession
offerings are limited and, at times, unable to meet the volume of demand, and recommend
permitting food trucks to operate in designated locations within these sports complexes.
Zencity Food Truck Sentiment
From a recent report pulled from Zencity, the community sentiment over the past six months
regarding food trucks in Dublin has remained overwhelmingly positive, with 69% of interactions
expressing favorable views and virtually no negative sentiment identified. Public conversation
generated steady engagement, largely driven by social media platforms, and showed no emerging
concerns related to regulation, safety or competition.
Feedback continues to frame food trucks as a valued community amenity, most often associated
with events, local business support and quality-of-life enhancements. Recurring programs such as
Food Truck Wednesdays and seasonal events generate strong anticipation and participation,
reinforcing food trucks as an established and welcome part of Dublin’s community experience.
While discussions of zoning or restaurant competition have not surfaced organically, the data
suggests an opportunity for the City to proactively guide future operations through clear and
balanced regulations that preserve community benefits while ensuring compatibility with
surrounding uses.
Education Plan
As part of the implementation of the new food truck regulations, staff will develop a clear and
accessible education strategy to communicate expectations for safe and compliant operations. The
goal is to ensure food truck operators, property owners and the public understand where and
when food trucks are permitted, along with key operational requirements.
Memo re. Food Truck Regulations – Public Services Committee Recommendations
May 5, 2026
Page 4 of 4
A dedicated webpage will serve as the central resource, featuring the code language in plain
terms, designated food truck parking zones with preregistration, restricted areas and dates, and
step-by-step guidance on applications, licensing and renewals. User-friendly graphics and quick-
reference materials will help simplify the information. Staff will also coordinate with the Central
Ohio Food Truck Association to help share updates directly with operators and broaden outreach.
Next Steps
If City Council is supportive of the draft code amendments after incorporating any feedback, staff
will bring forward an ordinance for Council’s consideration to formally amend the City Code.
In addition, staff will continue to engage with partners across the Central Ohio region to remain
aligned on emerging best practices. This regional coordination will help ensure that Dublin is
consistent with the approaches being implemented in neighboring communities, supporting a
cohesive and informed framework for food truck regulations.
Recommendation
Staff requests feedback from City Council on the following items:
1. Does City Council support the draft code?
2. Does City Council support food trucks openly operating in City community and athletic
parks?
3. Are there any additional elements City Council would like to see incorporated into the draft
code or education plan?
4. Does City Council have additional locations they would like to see designated as food truck
parking zones?
§ 96.24 COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.
(A) No person in a park shall sell or offer for sale any article, privilege or service without having first obtained a permit
from the City Manager or designee.
(B) No person in a park shall beg, peddle or solicit for money, a privilege or a service.
('80 Code, § 951.12) (Ord. 39-89, passed 6-5-89; Am. Ord. 20-13, passed 3-25-13) Penalty, see § 96.99
(c) EDUCATIONAL FACILITY. A facility offering classes, training courses, or skill development to the
public, employees or to members of an organization. This use includes but is not limited to vocational, business,
or technical schools, training centers, colleges, and universities, but does not include an elementary, middle, or
high school.
(d) ELEMENTARY OR MIDDLE SCHOOL. A facility providing education to students in kindergarten
through eighth grades using a curriculum recognized by the State of Ohio, and including related assembly,
sports, and activity areas, but not including facilities regularly used for housing or sleeping of students.
(e) ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION, INDOOR. A facility or area providing opportunities for physical
exercise, physical training or improvement of health for the general public or members of an organization. This
use includes but is not limited to: theaters, bowling alleys, dance halls, game centers, gymnasiums, health clubs,
exercise and fitness facilities, and climbing wall centers.
(f) ESSENTIAL UTILITY SERVICES. Facilities used to provide utility services to a building or property,
including but not limited to water pipes, sewer pipes, electric lines and boxes, telecommunication lines or fiber
optic equipment, gas regulator stations, and storm drainage pipes. This use does not include major utilities such
as water or sewer treatment plants, electric generating plants, and other facilities that are primary rather than
accessory uses of the sites on which they are located. Wireless communication facilities are also not included in
this definition.
(g) EXERCISE AND FITNESS. A facility or area providing opportunities for exercise or fitness for the
general public or members of an organization, including but not limited to health or exercise rooms and
swimming pools, when accessory to a principal use of the property.
(6) Uses definitions - F
(a) FAMILY. A family consists of any person living alone or any of the following groups living together as a
single housekeeping unit that shares common living, sleeping, cooking, and eating facilities: (1) any number of
people related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship, or other duly and legally authorized custodial
relationship and no more than two unrelated individuals who provide care or assistance or are domestic
employees, (2) two unrelated individuals and their children related to either of them and their foster children, or
(3) four unrelated individuals. A family does not include any society; club; boarding or lodging house; fraternity;
sorority; or group of individuals whose association is seasonal or similar in nature to a resort, motel, hotel,
boarding or lodging house, nor that is institutional in nature.
(b) FARMERS MARKET. An area, which may or may not be in a completely enclosed building, where on
designated days and times, growers and producers of horticultural and agricultural products may sell those
products and/or other incidental items directly to the public.
(c) FOOD TRUCK. A mobile food and beverage unit which is temporarily stored on a privately-owned lot
where food items are sold to the general public. May be motorized or unmotorized. Food truck includes food
vehicle, food trailer, food cart, and temporary commercial structures designed for the sale of food and beverages
accessory to the primary structure/use.
(d) FUELING/SERVICE STATION. A facility used primarily for the sale of vehicle fuels, oils or accessories.
Services may include maintenance and lubrication of automobiles and replacement or installation of minor parts
and accessories but shall not include major repair work such as engine or transmission replacement, body and
fender repair or spray painting. This use may include the retail sales of convenience goods.
(7) Uses definitions - G
(a) GOVERNMENT SERVICES.
1. GENERAL. A facility providing the administration of local, state, or federal government services or
functions.
2. SAFETY. A facility providing police, fire, or emergency medical services to the surrounding
community.
2. An accessory dwelling unit shall be limited to no more than 800 square feet of gross floor area.
3. When accessory to a single-family dwelling, the accessory dwelling unit may be located either within the single-
family dwelling structure or in a permitted accessory structure.
4. When accessory to a single-family dwelling, the accessory dwelling unit shall have a separate entrance from the
principal dwelling unit, and that entrance shall not face the front lot line and shall not be located on the same building façade
as the principal building entrance closest to the street.
5. The owner of the dwelling must occupy either the principal dwelling unit or the permitted accessory dwelling unit.
6. Ownership of the accessory dwelling unit may not be separate from the ownership of the principal dwelling unit.
(e) Dwelling administration, rental, or sales office. These uses shall comply with the provisions of § 153.073(B) and
setbacks applicable to principal structures on the property.
(f) Food trucks.
1. Each food truck shall maintain all valid licenses required by the city, county or state for operation of a business
including but not limited to all applicable licenses for a food service business.
2. Each food truck intended to be moved by a motorized vehicle shall maintain a valid registration within the most
recent 12-month period.
3. For property with a residential primary use, food trucks may operate on a property for no more than six hours per
calendar month, and in no case may be stored on a property outside an enclosed structure. No food truck shall operate
before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
4. For a property with a non-residential primary use, mixed-use, or a vacant commercial parcel, may not operate on
a property for more than 14 calendar days per month, and no food truck shall operate before 6:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
5. Food trucks located within the right-of-way shall be subject to the City of Dublin Police regulations and
enforcement.
6. Each food truck shall provide a trash receptacle near the food truck, shall prevent the accumulation of litter or
containers from the food truck within 50 feet of the food truck, and shall remove and empty the trash receptacle in a
permitted location when the food truck ends sales for the day.
7. Food trucks shall not impede safe site circulation, as determined by the City Engineer.
8. Food trucks shall not use speakers or audio amplification. All associated equipment shall be contained within or
on the food truck.
(g) Home occupations. All home occupations in the Historic Districts shall comply with the provisions of § 153.073.
(h) Outdoor dining and seating.
1. Outdoor dining and seating areas, furniture, and enclosures shall be set back at least five feet from the curb and
at least five feet from all street trees and street furniture. In no case shall these amenities be placed in a manner that would
provide less than six feet of clear area for pedestrian use.
2. The use of outdoor speakers shall comply with the provisions of § 132.03(A)(6) of the Dublin City Code.
3. Advertising is not permitted on dining furniture, accessories, or other similar amenities.
4. Dining furniture shall be of the same design, material and color for all furniture associated with the use. When not
in regular use, outdoor furniture shall be stored in a location that is not visible to the public, unless the patio furniture is all-
weather material, set up for use and not covered in any way, and weather conditions make the use of furniture possible.
5. Any speaker emitting music or sound shall be oriented to direct the sound away from all surrounding resources,
parks, and open spaces.
6. Any speaker emitting music or sound shall not operate between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., unless
otherwise approved by the Architectural Review Board.
(i) Outdoor display or seasonal sales.
1. Outdoor seasonal plant display shall comply with the provisions of § 153.099.
2. Outdoor sale of merchandise is permitted, and shall comply with the provisions of § 153.099. Merchandise shall
only be displayed during the hours of operation for the principal use. No permit is required.
3. Outdoor sales of Christmas trees and pumpkins shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 116 of the Dublin
City Code.
(j) Renewable energy equipment.
1. For regulations pertaining to renewable energy equipment - solar refer to § 153.074, Accessory Uses and
Structures.
Memorandum
To: Megan O’Callaghan, City of Dublin
From: Scott Dring, Visit Dublin
CC: Visit Dublin Board of Directors
Date: April 9, 2026
Re: Food Truck Input, Recommendations
On behalf of Visit Dublin’s Board of Directors and Dublin’s hospitality industry, we thank the
City of Dublin for the opportunity to provide feedback on the benefits and use of food trucks in
the Dublin community.
Visit Dublin gathered input from restaurants citywide, with emphasis on Downtown Dublin, as
well as from its Board of Directors. This feedback underscores support for food trucks that
enhance visitor and resident experiences when managed thoughtfully and without harming the
local business community.
The Board of Directors recommends a balanced, event-focused approach to food truck usage that
supports community vibrancy while protecting existing brick-and-mortar businesses. The Board
supports the City’s efforts to establish clear licensing, safety, and operating standards, and
generally agrees that food trucks are most appropriate in conjunction with permitted events or in
designated, thoughtfully selected areas.
Strong consideration should be given to restricting food truck placement along high-traffic and
high-impact corridors such as High Street and Riverside Drive due to safety, congestion, parking
limitations, and direct business competition, and to ensure trucks are not located near existing
businesses.
Feedback from industry partners emphasized that food trucks should not harm local businesses,
which generate significant income taxes, bed taxes, broader economic impact, and community
pride far beyond the minimal fees paid by food trucks. Additionally, the Board encourages
exploration of partnership incentives that allow local businesses to benefit from food truck
collaboration.
Overall, the recommendation reflects a supportive but structured approach that prioritizes
fairness, public safety, and the long-term economic health of Dublin’s business community.
Thank you for dedicating time and resources to this important issue, and for the opportunity to
provide feedback.
Visit Dublin Ohio – Board Meeting Minutes
Food Truck Discussion
April 8, 2026
• [11:52-12:51] A new discussion on food truck policy is introduced.
• The City of Dublin has requested input on a food truck policy.
• Scott and Lindsay will lead a discussion to gather high-level feedback and direction from the
board on Visit Dublin's official position regarding food trucks. The discussion will not focus
on operational details like fees or proximity rules.
• [12:51-15:42] Lindsay outlines the city's proposed regulatory framework for food trucks.
• The city is developing a policy to balance the vibrancy food trucks can offer with the interests
of existing restaurants and businesses.
• The proposed amendments will establish a new comprehensive regulatory framework. Key
components include:
o Licensing: Requiring an annual food truck license, with a separate application for
each truck. Licenses would be renewed each February.
o Operating Standards: Rules for hours of operation and a prohibition on leaving
trucks unattended or overnight.
o Location & Parking: Trucks would not be allowed to park directly in front of
restaurants without permission, on sidewalks, near intersections, or blocking access.
Use of streets and parks would be limited unless part of an approved event.
o Enforcement: The policy will define violations and enforcement procedures.
• The policy aims to establish clear rules, support fair competition, enhance public safety, and
ensure flexibility.
• [15:42-18:34] Scott presents feedback on food trucks gathered from local restaurant
partners.
• General Consensus: Restaurant owners are not against food trucks but believe there is a right
time and place for them, such as at city-organized events like Food Truck Wednesdays at
Coffman Park.
• Key Concerns from Restaurants:
o Economic Disparity: Restaurants are local businesses paying income tax and bed tax,
contributing significantly to the local economy, whereas food trucks pay a small fee
and have less of a lasting economic footprint.
o Location Restrictions: Restaurant partners are universally against allowing food
trucks on Riverside Drive and High Street due to safety concerns (e.g., children near
fast-moving traffic), parking and traffic congestion, and direct competition.
o Parking: Food trucks take up valuable parking spots.
• It was clarified that this feedback represents the views of restaurant partners, not the official
opinion of Visit Dublin.
• [18:34-23:16] Board members and staff discuss specific concerns and considerations for
the food truck policy.
• High-Concern Areas: There is agreement that High Street and Riverside Drive are major
points of concern for downtown businesses regarding food truck placement, particularly due
to parking and competition.
• Event-Specific Use: Food trucks are seen as beneficial for permitted events to supplement
restaurants, but the event organizer bears the burden of managing traffic, safety, and trash.
• Logistical Issues: The noise and fumes from generators were raised as a negative impact to
consider.
• Regulation of Food Type: Lindsay stated that regulating the type of food trucks (e.g.,
preventing multiple coffee trucks) has not been part of the discussion to date but could be
raised with city staff.
• Licensing Clarification: A food truck would need one annual license to operate anywhere in
the city for various events; individual event organizers would not need to secure separate
licenses for the trucks they host.
• Revenue Share: The only revenue for the city would be from the permit fee; there is no
proposed revenue-sharing model. However, it was noted that some community organizations
(e.g., sports teams) have arrangements where they receive a percentage of sales from food
trucks at their events.
• Health & Safety: It was confirmed that health department requirements would be part of the
licensing process.
• Overall Sentiment: No one present expressed being "anti-food-truck."
• [23:20-25:09] Discussion concluded on food truck placement regulations, proposing a
framework for approved and disallowed areas.
• A key consideration for food truck placement is ensuring they are not situated directly in front
of an existing business, especially on a neighboring parcel.
• Locating food trucks in Bridge Park was deemed largely unfeasible.
• The suggestion to not allowing food trucks to park on Riverside Drive was noted as a valuable
point for further consideration.
• The impact of food trucks taking up parking spaces was also acknowledged as a significant
factor.
• A proposed regulatory model would involve defining areas where food trucks are explicitly
not allowed, with all other areas being implicitly approved by default. Another is to create a
list of "encouraged" areas.
• Action Item: @[Scott] - Create a one-to-two-page memo summarizing the food truck
discussion for Megan and Lindsay.
• [25:18-26:42] The team explored potential incentives for brick-and-mortar businesses to
partner with food trucks and clarified rules for private events.
• The idea of offering incentives to local businesses to host food trucks was raised as a way to
help them provide outside service.
• The team will take back the idea of exploring what incentives could be offered to brick-and-
mortar businesses to encourage them to branch out with food trucks.
• Regarding private events in residential areas:
o If a food truck is on a public street for an event (e.g., a party), it would fall under the
proposed city regulations.
o If a food truck is in a private space, such as a backyard or a business's private parking
lot, it is understood that it would not be under the city's purview.
Dublin, OH
Insight Report
10/01/2025 - 03/31/2026
Dublin, OH
Insight Report
10/01/2025 - 03/31/2026
1
Food Trucks Code Amendment
Proposed Chapter 123: Food Trucks
123.01: DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Chapter 123, the following words and terms have these meanings:
“City–Approved Event” means any activity or gathering or assemblage of people upon public
property or in the public right-of-way for which a street closure or Community Event Permit has
been issued, or other permission granted in writing, by the City of Dublin.
“Community Park” means any park designated as a community park either in the City of Dublin
Parks & Recreation Master Plan or by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee.
“Designated Food Truck Parking Zone” means a public parking space, grouping of public parking
spaces, or any other area that the City Manager or the Manager’s designee has designated as a
lawful location upon which a food truck may operate.
“Food Truck” means any apparatus or equipment that is used to cook, prepare, and/or serve food
and/or beverage, and that routinely changes or can change location and is operated from a
moveable vehicle or apparatus, including but not limited to motorized vehicles trailers, and hand
propelled carts.
“Food Truck Application” means the application form on which a food truck operator applies for
a food truck license, submitted to the City Manager or the Manager’s designee on a form provided
by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee or through an approved electronic application
process.
“Food Truck License” means an official document issued by the City Manager or the Manager’s
designee authorizing the operation of a food truck within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin
for up to one year.
“Food Truck Operations Equipment” means the equipment that a food truck operator needs to
operate their food truck, including all cooking equipment, food preparation equipment,
refrigeration and/or cold-storage equipment, hot-holding and/or warming equipment, sanitation
and hygiene equipment, power equipment, fuel sources, ventilation systems, fire safety and
emergency equipment, service and customer-facing equipment, and storage and organization
equipment, but excluding any tables or auxiliary stations that the food truck operator provides
solely for customer use as permitted within this Chapter.
“Food Truck Operator” means an owner and/or operator of a food truck that operates or seeks to
operate within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin subject to this Chapter.
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“Ice Cream Truck” means a food truck from which frozen desserts of any kind are carried, sold,
stored, and/or dispensed for purposes of retail sale, or offered for retail sale, while such food truck
it is operating within the public rights of way.
“Neighborhood Park” means any park designated as a neighborhood park either in the City of
Dublin Parks & Recreation Master Plan or by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee.
123.02: LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIRED FOR OPERATION
(A) No individual or organization shall operate or cause to be operated any food truck
within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin without a valid food truck license and
all required licenses issued in accordance with the laws and regulations established in
the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio Administrative Code, and the City of Dublin Codified
Ordinances, as applicable.
(B) The fee for a food truck license shall be as set forth from time to time by ordinance.
(C) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as superseding, supplanting, or otherwise
replacing any duty imposed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3701 or 3717, or rules or
regulations promulgated thereunder, upon an application for a health license, or upon a
department of health in the conduct of its responsibilities relative to food trucks.
123.03: FOOD TRUCK APPLICATION
(A) Before any food truck may operate within the limits of the City of Dublin subject to
Section 123.02, the food truck operator shall submit a food truck application, which
shall request from the food truck operator at least the following information:
(1) The name, permanent address, telephone number(s), and e-mail address(es) of
the food truck operator;
(2) The business name or DBA, permanent address, and telephone number of the
food truck business if different from the food truck operator’s information;
(3) A copy of the food truck operator’s Mobile Food Service Operation License,
issued in accordance with Chapter 3717 of the Ohio Revised Code;
(4) A copy of the food truck operator’s State of Ohio Transient License (if
applicable);
(5) A copy of the food truck operator ’s valid State-issued vehicle registration (if
applicable);
(6) A copy of the food truck operator ’s valid State-issued driver’s license; and
(7) A copy of the valid State-issued driver’s license of every current employee
whom the food truck operator intends to allow to drive the food truck or operate
a vehicle that transports the food truck from one place to another, excluding
emergency towing.
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The City Manager or the Manager’s designee may request additional information from
the food truck operator through the food truck application. A food truck application
submission is not considered to be complete until the food truck operator has provided,
to the City Manager or Manager’s designee’s satisfaction, all information requested in
the food truck application.
(B) A food truck operator must submit a separate food truck application for each and every
food truck that they intend to operate within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin.
(C) Within fifteen (15) business days of receiving a complete food truck application, the
City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall examine the food truck application and
provide a written determination in response to it. During this period, the City Manager
or the Manager’s designee may make, or cause to be made, any further investigation
into such food truck application as they deem necessary, and they may extend the
review period up to an additional fifteen (15) business days as needed to complete such
further investigation.
(D) The City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall provide a written determination in
response to each complete food truck application submission. If a complete food truck
application is denied, then the reasons for such denial will be provided to the food truck
operator in writing. If a complete food truck application is approved, then the food
truck operator shall register the food truck with the City of Dublin Division of Taxation
before beginning operations under the license.
123.04: OPERATIONS
(A) Within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin, food truck operators shall not:
(1) Fail to display on or within the food truck the licensure mark issued under this
Chapter;
(2) Fail to ensure that all food truck operations equipment is contained within or on
the food truck, including while operating the food truck;
(3) Use speakers or audio amplification for any purpose, unless the food truck
operator is operating an ice cream truck and such amplified sound falls within
the noise/sound amplification parameters set forth in Section 72.021 of this
Code;
(4) Be open for business or otherwise operate, on any given day, before 7:00 a.m.
or after 10:00 p.m., unless permitted to operate outside of these hours as part of
a City-Approved Event;
(5) On any given day, park their food truck upon public property or parking
space(s) between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and
11:59 p.m., unless permitted to do so as part of a City-Approved Event;
(6) Tap into or otherwise use a power or water source belonging to the City of
Dublin, any private party, or any other business to operate their food truck,
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unless the food truck operator has obtained the written consent of the party
responsible for such power or water source;
(7) Use an independent fuel source that produces or disperses noxious smoke or
fumes, or an engine or generator power source that produces unreasonable
noise, such that it violates the noise parameters set forth in Section 72.021 of
this Code;
(8) Operate their food truck in such a way, or in such a location, that such operation:
interferes with City–permitted functions; or orients the food truck’s service
window or other service area towards a public street or vehicular traffic; or
otherwise impedes the reasonable flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian foot
traffic;
(9) Set up or otherwise distribute, for customer use: a) any tables or auxiliary
stations unless such tables or auxiliary stations are located within ten (10) feet
from the food truck; or b) any chairs or apparatuses for seating regardless of
their proximity to the food truck;
(10) Set up or display any signage, unless such display or signage is associated solely
with the food truck and is located within ten (10) feet from the food truck;
(11) Dispose of any liquid waste or grease in tree pits or storm drains or onto the
sidewalks, streets, trash cans, or other public space; or
(12) Cause or allow the food truck to be left unattended for any period of time.
(B) A food truck shall not operate within the City of Dublin unless they are parked lawfully
and fully within in a designated food truck parking zone.
(C) Notwithstanding subsection (B), a food truck may operate, subject to the following
conditions, upon:
(1) A neighborhood street, if the food truck is lawfully parked thereon and has
received written permission to operate at that location by an applicable
homeowner’s association, civic association, or similarly organized group of
residents, or as part of a neighborhood event that has been allowed or
recognized by the City Manager or the Manager’s designee;
(2) A non-asphalt or non-concrete surface in connection with a City–Approved
Event, if directed to park and operate thereon by the organizer of the event or
their designee, or if such surface is within private property;
(3) Private property with a residential primary use in connection with a single-day
event on the property, if they have both received written permission from the
property owner to operate thereon and serve only those individuals whom the
property owner has invited to the event;
(4) Private property with a non-residential primary use, a mixed-use parcel, or a
vacant commercial parcel, if they do so for no more than fourteen (14) calendar
days in a month and subject to the property owner’s written consent for such
operation; and
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(5) A neighborhood street or neighborhood park, if and only if the food truck is an
ice cream truck and such operations are both safe and do not impede the flow
of vehicular or pedestrian foot traffic thereon.
123.05: CITY–APPROVED EVENTS
(A) No food truck may operate within one thousand (1000) feet of a City–Approved Event
unless: a) such operation is occurring exclusively as a subset of a City-Approved event;
or b) the food truck has received written consent from the organization or entity holding
the City–Approved Event to do so.
(B) A food truck may operate without a City of Dublin food truck license if such operation
occurs exclusively as a subset of a City–Approved Event and if all such operations
occur within the approved areas and time frames of such event.
123.06: EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL
(A) Each food truck license is valid from the date of its issuance until the final day of
February in the subsequent calendar year.
(B) Upon the change of any information that must be submitted with a food truck
application, the food truck operator shall provide to the City Manager or the Manager’s
designee the updated information within ten (10) business days.
(C) No earlier than forty-five (45) days before the expiration of a food truck license issued
under this Chapter, but no later than fifteen (15) days before the expiration of such
license, the food truck operator may seek a renewal food truck license.
(a) As part of the food-truck-license renewal process, the food truck operator shall:
(1) Request such renewal in writing;
(2) Certify that all licenses and other information required in the initial food
truck application are current and provide updated or current copies of
such licenses;
(3) Acknowledge that any false or misleading statements in the renewal
application may be sufficient cause to revoke the current food truck
license and deny the renewal application; and
(4) Pay the applicable food truck license fee, as required by Section
123.02(B).
(b) Applications for renewals of food truck licenses may be given expedited
processing.
(D) If the food truck operator fails to seek renewal within the timeframe specified in this
Section, then the applicable food truck license will expire at the end of the one-year
period set forth in this Section. The food truck operator may submit a complete food
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truck application at any time after the renewal period set forth in this Section lapses;
however, the food truck operator shall not operate the applicable food truck during the
time between the expiration of the food truck license and the issuance of a subsequent
food truck license.
(E) The City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall approve or deny a food truck license
renewal application under the same conditions as the initial approval of the food truck
license. Additionally, the City Manager or the Manager’s designee shall deny a food
truck license renewal application if the food truck operator has not previously
registered, or has not properly maintained the registration of, the food truck with the
City of Dublin Division of Taxation.
123.07: LICENSE TRANSFERS PROHIBITED
(A) All food truck licenses issued under this Chapter are non-transferrable and cannot be
assigned by the licensee to any other individual or organization, or to any other food
truck. No food truck operator shall transfer or attempt to transfer a food truck license
issued under this Chapter under any circumstances.
(B) If a food truck operator sells a food truck that is licensed or permitted under this Chapter
while the food truck license is still in effect, the succeeding food truck operator must
comply with the food truck application, inspection, and fee requirements of this
Chapter before operating such food truck within the corporate limits of the City of
Dublin.
123.08: ENFORCEMENT
(A) Any code enforcement officer or police officer shall have the authority to enforce the
provisions of this Chapter at any time, including but not limited to upon the receipt of
a complaint.
(B) The Washington Township Fire Department shall have the authority to inspect any food
truck for any fire-related performance issue or operational deficiency. Upon the
discovery of such a fire-related performance issue or operational deficiency, the
Washington Township Fire Department may temporarily suspend the food truck
operator’s right to operate the food truck within the corporate limits of the City of
Dublin until the performance issue or operational deficiency is remediated to the
Washington Township Fire Department’s satisfaction.
123.09: SUSPENSION; REVOCATION; APPEALS
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(A) The City Manager or the Manager ’s designee may revoke at any time any food truck
license issued under the provisions of this Chapter for violation of any provision of this
Chapter or one or more of the following reasons:
(1) Fraud, misrepresentation or bribery in securing a license or during the course
of business;
(2) Failure to display the food truck license issued under this Chapter while
operating within the corporate limits of the City of Dublin;
(3) Failure to have valid permits or licenses required by this Chapter;
(4) Conviction of any criminal or traffic offense while using a food truck or
conviction of any criminal offense involving theft or fraud;
(5) For any of the reasons which could have been grounds for refusing to issue the
original license; or
(6) Knowingly allowing another person to use such licensed food truck in violation
of any provision of this Chapter.
(B) Any person who has applied for a food truck license in accordance with this Chapter
and to whom the City Manager or the Manager’s designee has, after an investigation,
denied a food truck license; or any person who has had a food truck license be not
renewed; or any person who has had a food truck license revoked or suspended, may
appeal such determination to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(C) Notice of an appeal shall be filed in accordance with Code § 153.231. Such appeal shall
be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals at the next regular meeting, unless the food
truck operator requests a later date, in accordance with Code §153.231, including all
rights of appeal.
123.99: PENALTY
(A) Whoever violates Sections 123.02, 123.07, or 123.08 of this Chapter shall be guilty of
a third-degree misdemeanor.
(B) Whoever violates any other Section of this Chapter shall be guilty of a minor
misdemeanor for the first offense of any subsection. a fourth-degree misdemeanor for
a second offense of the same subsection, and a third-degree misdemeanor for third and
any subsequent offense of the same subsection.
(C) Each day on which any such activities are conducted in violation of this Chapter shall
constitute a separate offense.
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Related Necessary Code Revisions:
• Delete all food truck zoning regulations in153.172(C)(3)(f);
• Delete food truck definition at 153.002(A)(6)(c).
0127206.0607929 4897-3568-8871v2
FOOD TRUCK REGULATIONS
May 11, 2026
AGENDA
•Strategic Alignment
•Draft Code Language
•Additional Considerations
•Recommendation
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
•Community Events Roadmap (Resolution 35-25):includes an
action item to establish clear regulations for food truck operations
within park spaces.
•Downtown Dublin Curbside Management Plan (Resolution
38-25): includes a recommendation to formalize a food truck and
curbside vendor program to provide clarity on where and when
operations are allowed, preferred, or discouraged.
DRAFT CODE CHANGES
•Delete definition §153.002(A)(6)(c) •Delete §153.172(C)(3)(f) •Draft Chapter §123o123.01 Definitionso123.02 License required for operationo123.03 Food truck applicationo123.04 Operations o 123.05 City-approved events and parkso123.06 Operation on private property o 123.07 Expiration and renewal o 123.08 License transfers prohibited o 123.09 Enforcemento123.99 Penalty
•Pilot Program (License fee to begin March 1, 2027) •Annual License•License fee determined through Cost Study (waived initially) •Designated corridor approach with the focus on: •Minimizing competition with restaurants •Ensuring safety•Supporting a positive user experience•Locations will be reserved •Application Requirements: Food Service Operations License (through the State), State-issued
driver’s license and valid vehicle registration•Registered through the City of Dublin Division of Taxation•Washington Township Fire Department partnering to ensure each Food Truck is inspected prior
to license issuance •Appeals will be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals •Violation of this code could result in a third-degree misdemeanor
HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW:
•Hours 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. •Must display valid City-issued food truck license while operating•All equipment must be contained within or on the truck •No speakers or amplified sound (except permitted ice cream trucks) •Cannot use utilities without property owner consent •Must avoid excessive noise, smoke or fumes from generators or fuel sources •Cannot interfere with City-Approved Events (1,000 buffer)•No disposal of any liquid waste or grease •Auxiliary stations (condiments table, signage, coolers) must be within 10 ft•Parking only in City-designated parking spaces•No parking between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am the following day
OPERATIONS
•12 designated locations
•Link: City of Dublin Food Truck Locations
MAP
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
1.Visit Dublin Board and Hospital
Industry Feedback
2.Sports Complexes – Partner
Organizations
3.Zencity Food Truck Sentiment
4.Education Plan
5.Next Steps
•General Support with Structure: Food trucks are supported when used in a managed,
event-focused approach that enhances community experience
•Protect Local Businesses: Avoid direct competition with restaurants and recognize their
significant economic impact
•Strategic Placement Matters: Limit use in high-traffic areas (ie. High Street, Riverside
Drive)
•Clear Standards & Partnerships: Implement licensing/safety guidelines and explore
collaboration opportunities with local businesses
VISIT DUBLIN BOARD & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
•Three sports complexes: Darree Fields, Avery Park, and Emerald Fields
•Two complexes partner with youth organizations for concession operations
•Agreements do not include a non-compete clause
•Concessions are a significant revenue source for partner organizations, staff has heard
from the organizations in the past when food trucks came to the park unannounced
•PSC noted limited food options and capacity challenges, recommending allowing food
trucks in designated locations within the complexes
•Darree: 4
•Emerald: 2
•Avery: 1
SPORTS COMPLEXES – PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
•Comprehensive Educational Website
•Outlines the license and application process, designated locations, prohibited dates,
and regulatory resources
•Regulations effective upon passage, licensure aspect enforced on March 1, 2027
•Creates alignment with State food truck permit process
•Collaborate with Central Ohio Food Truck Association to promote awareness and
understanding of the new requirements
EDUCATION
•Community sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive
•No emerging concerns related to regulation, safety or competition
•Engagement driven primarily by social media and community event promotion
•Food trucks viewed as strong community asset
ZENCITY SENTIMENT REPORT
If City Council is supportive of the proposed code amendments after
incorporating any feedback, staff will:
1.Present draft language to amend the City Code at a future council meeting
2.Engage the Central Ohio Food Truck Association
3.Develop the comprehensive website
NEXT STEPS
1.Does City Council support the draft code?
2.Does City Council support food trucks operating in City community and
athletic parks?
3.Are there any additional elements City Council would like incorporated into
the draft code or education plan?
4.Does City Council have additional locations they would like to see designated
as food truck parking zones?
RECOMMENDATION: