Dec 5

Dec 5 Rochester lowers fees for food trucks, creates new late-night zone

The Rochester City Council voted unanimously Monday night to drop the annual fees for mobile food units from $1,250 to $900.

The move was aimed at attracting more food trucks downtown. Last spring, the council passed a new ordinance allowing mobile food units to set up in designated zones downtown. However, only two vendors signed up for a license, putting pressure on the council to ease regulations.

In addition to the reduced fees, the council also agreed to a few zoning changes. For late-night, trucks will now be able to line up along First Avenue SW (as opposed to Second Street) from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. The change could put trucks in the center of Rochester's nightlife district. Local law enforcement supported the new district as a way of keeping crowds in one area.

The council also approved new districts by Methodist Hospital and St. John's School. Existing daytime zones put into place last year are near the library, next to Central Park and on Second Avenue SW.

Unlike the contentious debates that occurred earlier this year, the council was able to quickly find compromise on the new fee structure and zones. The new rules will be in effect for the 2017 season.

You can see the new food truck map here (pg. 113).