§ 154-80.1. Mobile food facilities., Article XI. Supplemental Regulations, Chapter 154. Zoning, Part II. General Legislation, Code of Ordinances, Mount Laurel

Mobile food facilities shall be permitted as an accessory use in all nonresidential zones.

Mobile food facilities shall require zoning approval. Failure to provide such information as indicated below shall result in a denial of zoning approval.

All mobile food facilities shall be subject to the standards set forth in Chapter 113 of the Township Code. Where this section and Chapter 113 differ or conflict, the stricter standard applies.

The following additional design standards shall apply to mobile food facilities:

(1)

The proposed lot must have an existing active principal use.

(2)

The requirements for mobile food facilities operation area is as follows:

(a)

Space must be a minimum of 20 feet by 40 feet.

(b)

Minimum setback from the right-of-way shall be three feet.

(c)

Minimum setback from property lines shall be 15 feet or 50 feet if adjoining lot is residential.

(d)

An area cannot encroach upon the required minimum parking for the principal use on the lot.

(e)

Shall not be within 50 feet of any fire hydrants or Fire Department connections.

(f)

Shall not interfere with the safe flow of traffic or pedestrian movement.

(g)

Shall not interfere with accessible routes or accessible parking areas.

(h)

Shall not place any signage outside the approved area of operation.

The following items shall be submitted on the plan for review and approval:

(1)

A survey or plot plan showing all information necessary to accurately depict existing conditions, the proposed location of the mobile food facility area of operation, and how the proposed use will function on the site. Information shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a)

The location of all existing and proposed structures, including buildings and utility poles;

(b)

Surrounding driveways, sidewalks, ADA facilities, and parking areas, including number of parking spaces;

(c)

Details of pedestrian and vehicular circulation;

(d)

Proposed storage location for mobile food facility;

(e)

Surrounding uses and natural features;

(f)

Provisions for or access to sanitary facilities for merchants and employees.

(2)

Plan for managing trash and litter generated during operations and removal of same at the close of business daily.

(3)

Signage plan.

(4)

Lighting details, including existing and proposed.

(5)

Details of ancillary activities, including but not limited to seating and tables, where space permits outside of the public right-of-way.

(6)

Any other information deemed necessary for approval.

(7)

Details of food preparation, including but not limited to:

(a)

Food preparation details.

(b)

Anticipated food menu.

(c)

Floor plan of mobile food facility illustrating equipment location.

(d)

Specification sheets for all proposed equipment.

(e)

Colored rendering of mobile vendor vehicle wrap.

(f)

Review and approval from the Burlington County Department of Public Health.

(g)

Review and approval and an inspection from the Mount Laurel Fire Department.

Except as otherwise provided by specific exception in this chapter, persons subject to this chapter, including persons claiming an exemption from the requirement of the municipal licensing, shall not:

(1)

Station, place, set up or maintain wares adjacent to any sidewalk if to do so would place him closer than 200 feet to another vendor who is selling adjacent to the sidewalk, or in the public right-of-way.

(2)

Station, place, set up or maintain its wares or equipment in such a way as would restrict, obstruct, interfere with or impede the pedestrian's right-of-way; restrict, obstruct, interfere with the use or enjoyment from the abutting property; create or become a nuisance; increase traffic congestion, cause or increase traffic delay or hazards; cause or create or constitute a danger to life, health, or property; sell food, drinks, ice cream or confections of any kind for immediate consumption unless he has available for public use his own litter receptacle which must be attached to his cart or vehicle which shall be clearly marked and maintained for his patronage use, nor shall any mobile food facility leave any location without first picking up, removing and disposing of any trash or refuse remaining from sales made by him.

(3)

Station, place, set up or maintain its wares closer than 50 feet from the curbline or end of pavement of intersecting streets.

(4)

Place its wares in such way as would reduce the unobstructed pedestrian right-of-way on a sidewalk to less than six feet.

(5)

Engage in business within 25 feet of any location where the curb has been depressed to facilitate pedestrian or vehicle movement.

(6)

Engage in business on any sidewalk or along any street within 50 feet of any fire hydrant, or within 25 feet of any crosswalk, bus stop, or a driveway.

(7)

Place its wares in front of the display windows or signs of fixed-location businesses, nor shall they be within 20 feet from the entrance door to a fixed-location business.

(8)

Operate in such a manner as to restrict the continued maintenance of a clear passageway for vehicles or pedestrians.

(9)

Solicit, conduct business with or sell to persons in motor vehicles.

(10)

Leave its wares unattended at any time or store, place or leave the same overnight on any sidewalk or public way of the Township.

(11)

Engage in business within 200 feet of the grounds of any church, synagogue or other house of worship while same is in session.

(12)

Use or operate any loudspeaker, public address system, sound amplifier, horn, bell, radio, record player, tape player, CD player, musical instrument or any similar device used to attract attention, entertain the public. The operator of the mobile food facility may listen to music within the truck as long as the sound level is contained within the mobile food facility.

(13)

Sell from any one site or area for a period of more than four hours, including time for setup and breakdown of a mobile food facility. After four hours, the mobile food facility must move to a new location at least 300 feet away from where he was doing business or cease doing business. No vendor may return to the same location in any calendar day. No vendor shall place any object, sign, or person nor take any action designed to reserve a location for their use. Any such object may be removed and kept as evidence of a violation by any person, who shall promptly surrender it to the police.

(14)

Place its wares other than on a mobile food facility, whether it be a cart, single table no larger than 96 inches long by 48 inches wide by 72 inches high or display unit similar to a table which shall occupy a space no larger than 32 square feet.

(15)

Engage in business within 300 feet of any fixed place of business selling substantially similar merchandise; a food vendor shall not operate within 300 feet of a restaurant.

Appearance and maintenance of mobile food facilities.

(1)

All mobile food facilities shall be properly maintained to the same standards as any licensed cooking facility, including proper refrigeration, and food safety regulations.

(2)

Mobile food vehicles must be operated and properly maintained in accordance with all applicable motor vehicle and transportation codes.

Lighting. To the greatest extent feasible, mobile food facilities shall utilize existing surrounding light to avoid creating additional lighting and glare conditions onto adjacent properties. Additional lighting may be permitted where needed, which shall be adequately shielded to eliminate light spillage onto adjacent streets, travelways, properties and uses. The Township Engineer and Construction Official must each agree to this provision considering items such as, but not limited to, spillage, wiring, power sources and general safety.

Trash. One trash receptacle is required for each mobile food vendor, and all solid waste shall be disposed of and removed on a daily basis.

Signage. No identification signage beyond vehicular signage shall be permitted. No mobile food facility shall display more than two exterior informational signs not to exceed two square feet each;

(1)

Any display or offer of sale within the public right-of-way or no more than two feet from the mobile food facility is prohibited;

(2)

All signage must be in accordance with code provisions that regulate signage within the Township and not be placed in right-of-way;

(3)

All vehicular signs shall be in accordance with state motor vehicle standards.