Chapter 5.65
MOBILE VENDORS

Sections:

5.65.010    Definitions.

5.65.020    License – Required.

5.65.030    Exemptions.

5.65.040    Limitation on activities permitted by mobile vendor license.

5.65.050    Application.

5.65.060    License fee.

5.65.070    Expiration of license.

5.65.080    Exhibition of license – Transfer.

5.65.090    Health regulations.

5.65.100    Mobile vendor standards.

5.65.110    Mobile vendor insurance requirement.

5.65.120    Revocation of license.

5.65.130    Appeal.

5.65.010 Definitions.

Use of Words and Phrases. As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matter clearly requires otherwise, the words or phrases defined in this section shall have the indicated meanings.

(1) “Concessionaire” means a person, firm or corporation engaged in the sale of food or other goods or services in a city park or city property, including without limitation those who operate or maintain a concession stand, in accordance with a written agreement or franchise therefor as lawfully approved in writing by the city manager.

(2) “Food” has its usual and ordinary meaning, and includes all items designed for human consumption, including but not limited to ice cream, candy, gum, popcorn, hotdogs, sandwiches, peanuts, soft drinks, coffee and dairy products.

(3) “Mobile vendor” shall mean any business operator or vendor who conducts business from a motor vehicle upon public streets.

(4) “Motor vehicle” in this chapter shall mean a motorized vehicle that is registered with the Washington State Department of Motor Vehicles and licensed by the Washington State Licensing Department.

(5) “Pedal cabs” shall mean anyone offering taxi or transportation services to the public on any three-wheeled conveyance that is powered by the driver. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.020 License – Required.

It is unlawful for a mobile vendor to engage in business within the city of Puyallup except when licensed as a mobile vendor or concession in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. A separate license shall be required for each concession location and for each vehicle or pedal cab. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.030 Exemptions.

The following activities, businesses, and/or persons, as such are commonly known, shall be exempt from coverage of this chapter, but this exemption shall not be construed to limit or restrict the application of other laws and regulations pertaining to such activities, businesses and/or persons:

(1) Newspaper couriers;

(2) Lemonade stands;

(3) Stands used to sell or distribute flowers, fruit, vegetables, produce or plants grown on the property where the stand is located;

(4) Delivery or distribution of food, goods or products ordered or purchased by customers from a source or point of sale other than a mobile vehicle operated for the purpose of soliciting customers while traveling or while located on city streets or property;

(5) Delivery or distribution of food by or for any not-for-profit organization, governmental agency, or other charitable organization, including without limitation Meals on Wheels and the Food Bank; and

(6) Concessionaires as defined in this chapter, except that concession agreements with the city shall include health, sanitation and insurance requirements generally conforming to those established for similar businesses and vendors covered by this chapter. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.040 Limitation on activities permitted by mobile vendor license.

Mobile vendors shall be limited to the business of selling food. They shall not:

(1) Operate the motor vehicle in such a manner as to impede the normal usage of the arterial streets;

(2) Stop on the traveled portion of the street or within 50 feet from a corner to dispense food products;

(3) Stop in dangerous locations for dispensing food products, such as on streets with inadequate shoulders and restricted sight distance;

(4) Be operated on any arterial street during the peak hours of traffic, generally between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.;

(5) The retail sale of any product from pedal cabs is prohibited. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.050 Application.

A person, firm, or corporation desiring to secure a license as a mobile vendor shall make application to the city clerk. Such application shall provide:

(1) The name or names and address of the applicant;

(2) Vehicle license number of all vehicles from which the applicant proposes to conduct business;

(3) Description of the general type of food to be sold if applicable;

(4) The place or places where the applicant proposes to engage in business;

(5) A letter from the Tacoma-Pierce County health department, certifying that the motor vehicle vending business has complied with health department regulations, as required. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.060 License fee.

The license fee for a mobile vendor or concession or pedal cab shall be $50.00 per year per vehicle or location. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.070 Expiration of license.

A license issued under this chapter shall expire December 31st each year. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.080 Exhibition of license – Transfer.

A license issued under this chapter shall be posted conspicuously at the place of business. Licenses issued under this chapter are not transferable. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.090 Health regulations.

All food vendors shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations regarding food handling, and all vehicles, equipment, and devices used for the handling, storage, transportation and/or sale of food shall comply with WAC 246-215-050, as presently worded and as may be amended by law, in addition to any other rules and regulations respecting such vehicles, equipment, and devices as may be established by the Tacoma-Pierce County health department. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.100 Mobile vendor standards.

All mobile vendors licensed under this chapter shall conform to the following standards:

(1) Geographical Restrictions. No mobile vendor shall sell or vend from his or her vehicle or conveyance:

(a) Within 400 feet of a public or private school grounds during the hours of regular school session, classes, or school-related events in said public or private school, except when authorized by said school; or

(b) Within 300 feet of the entrance to a business establishment which is open for business and is offering for sale the same or similar product as an item offered for sale by the mobile vendor; or

(c) Within 300 feet of a restaurant, cafe, or eating establishment which is open for business; or

(d) Within 300 feet of a public park of the city where a city-authorized concession stand is located during times other than during the course of a public celebration except as approved by the city manager or designate; or

(e) Within 300 feet of city property where a city-authorized concession stand is located during the course of a public celebration when nonprofit organizations are permitted to engage in the sale of merchandise and food in such park; or

(f) Within any one block for more than one hour in any four-hour period; except this shall not apply in those situations where the mobile vendor is serving organized and sanctioned community-sponsored ball games at public parks and schools provided there is no city-approved concession in the park or at the school.

(2) No mobile vendor shall conduct business so as to violate any ordinances of the city, including those regulating traffic and rights-of-way, as now in effect or hereafter amended.

(3) No mobile vendor shall obstruct or cause to be obstructed the passage of a sidewalk, street, avenue, alley or any other public place by causing people to congregate at or near the place where food is being sold or offered for sale.

(4) No customer shall be served on the street side of the mobile unit. All service must be on the curb side when the mobile unit is on or abutting a public street.

(5) All mobile vendors shall provide garbage receptacles for customer use.

(6) No mobile vendor shall locate his or her vehicle or other conveyance in such a manner as to cause a traffic hazard.

(7) At the conclusion of business activities at a given location the mobile vendor shall clean all the public way surrounding his or her vehicle of all debris, trash and litter generated by the vendor’s business activities.

(8) All mobile vendors preparing food by cooking, frying or other means shall be equipped with at least one 2A-40-BC fire extinguisher.

(9) All mobile vendors shall conclude daily business activities at sunset. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.110 Mobile vendor insurance requirement.

No license shall be issued to a mobile vendor selling from a truck or other motor vehicle unless a certificate is furnished to the city showing that the vendor is carrying the following minimum amounts of insurance: (1) public liability insurance in an amount of not less than $500,000 for injuries, including those resulting in death, resulting from any one occurrence, and on account of any one accident; and (2) property damage insurance in an amount of not less than $25,000 for damages on account of any one accident or occurrence. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.120 Revocation of license.

A license issued pursuant to this chapter may be revoked, in writing, by the city manager for any of the following reasons:

(1) Any fraud, misrepresentation or false statement contained in the application for license;

(2) Any fraud, misrepresentation or false statement made in connection with the selling of products;

(3) Any violation of this chapter;

(4) Conviction of the licensee of a felony or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or

(5) Conducting the business licensed under this chapter in an unlawful manner or in such a manner as to constitute a breach of the peace or to constitute a menace to the health, safety or general welfare of the public. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).

5.65.130 Appeal.

A person aggrieved by the denial of an application for a license, a license renewal, or by the revocation of a license as provided for in this chapter shall have the right to appeal such administrative decision to the hearing examiner as provided in Chapter 2.54 PMC. (Ord. 2792 § 3, 2004).