EAST LANSING, Mich. — The City of East Lansing is seeking feedback from residents and businesses on a proposed ordinance change and related policy resolution that would expand the locations and number of licensed food trucks (mobile food vending units) authorized to operate in the East Lansing community.
The intention of the proposed ordinance change is to establish a well-regulated and expanded mobile food vending program that will help to activate the streetscape and increase vibrancy in East Lansing, while also increasing economic opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Currently, food trucks can operate in East Lansing in three designated locations in downtown East Lansing (zoning district B3) and at neighborhood association block parties, subject to certain approvals/licensing requirements. The proposed ordinance change, as currently drafted, would expand the locations to include several other zoning districts in the City, including public parks and facilities, subject to certain approvals/licensing requirements:
- B1-General Office Business (6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
- B2-Retail Sales Business (6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
- B3-City Center Commercial (6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
- B4-Restricted Office Business (6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
- B5-Community Retail Sales Business (6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
- OIP - Office Industrial Park (6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
- C-Community Facilities (facility’s operational hours)
- City-Sponsored Events (event specific)
The proposed draft ordinance and policy resolution was introduced to the East Lansing City Council at its December 21, 2021 meeting and can be reviewed here. City staff are now working to collect stakeholder input from community members, business owners and managers, the East Lansing Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission and the East Lansing Downtown Development Authority prior to presenting a final draft to City Council.
East Lansing residents, business owners and business managers can share their input on the proposed draft ordinance and policy resolution by taking the Mobile Food Vending (Food Truck) Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLP6VG8.