The first step was a draft ordinance presentation by retiring city planning director Steve Ervin. The draft ordinance allows food trucks to expand operations. Currently, mobile food trucks are allowed in Paducah only in the Highway Business District zones along a section of U.S. Highway 60/Hinkleville Road and a section of Lone Oak Road.
The draft ordinance does not apply to ice cream trucks, or concession stand trailers found at events and fairs. If passed, these trucks must meet many of the same standards as restaurants set forth by the health department.
Ervin and his staff have been studying the logistics of food truck expansion in Paducah since he first brought it before the commission in February of 2016. "We researched a lot of different communities. Some of them similar in size; some larger. And looked at what the requirements are form distance to restaurants, tables and chairs, what are their general hours?" Ervin said.
The draft ordinance includes language saying trucks must stay more than 100 feet from restaurants, and about compliance with the city's noise ordinance.
Food truck owner Jermaine "JJ" Frederick had no complaints about having proximity to restaurants set. "I don't think its fair for a food truck or a hot dog cart or anything to pull up in the vicinity of an operating business." Frederick said.
Food truck owner Dia Canter had similar thoughts. Canter said, "I do think its fair. We are a smaller town."
According to Kentucky statutes, the draft ordinance first goes before the planning commission. Once approved, It will come back to the commission for a first read introduction.
Before Ervin began his presentation, Mayor Brandi Harless thanked Ervin for his years of service to the city. He started with the city in the Planning Department in 1990 and was promoted to Planning Director in 2008. Ervin is retiring at the end of this month.
