Meals on wheels

The city can do more to spur food truck business

Today’s food trucks are a far cry from yesterday’s Good Humor man. Unfortunately for Pittsburghers, the rules created to regulate ice cream vendors are the same ones that now govern the activities of modern, mobile kitchens meant to give take-out diners expansive options.

Enter city Councilman Dan Gilman. He is drafting legislation that would update Pittsburgh’s mobile vending laws. He hopes a new ordinance could be in place by fall.

In most cases, the restrictions on food trucks mean they have to keep moving. They must shift to a new location every 30 minutes, regardless of how many customers might be lined up to buy a taco, waffle or hot sausage sandwich. They are barred from parking in metered spaces, even if the operators are willing to pay for the privilege, and they can’t set up within 500 feet of a business selling a similar product.

The food trucks that are in business in Pittsburgh, like those in other cities, typically rely on Twitter and Facebook to let customers know where they’ll be and when. Although there are exceptions, such as when food trucks get permits for specific events, loosening the regulations is essential if this take-and-eat option is going to thrive here.

That doesn’t mean the providers should be exempt from Allegheny County Health Department standards for cleanliness and food safety. Currently, food truck operators must have a brick-and-mortar establishment, licensed by the health department, where they can store and prepare food.

We’re eager to hear more details as Mr. Gilman completes his review of regulations and presents proposals for improvement. At a minimum, the city should be willing to increase the amount of time that mobile vendors can stay in one place, permit them to pay to park in metered spaces and allow their operation on private property with permission from the owner. That would be a good start.