Ordinance Promoting Economic Development and the Food Truck Industry, Boston, Massachusetts

Jurisdiction Name: Boston
State/Province: MA
Country: United States
Type of Government: Municipality
Population: 685,094
Population Range: 250,000 to 999,999
Policy Links: WebPDF
Policy type: ordinance
Year: 2011
GFC Topic: community food connections, community food security
Keywords: entrepreneurs, food access, food affordability, food distribution, food truck, healthy food, healthy food access, license, neighborhood, permit, sustainable food business
Adopting Government Department(s):

Boston City Council

Lead Implementing Entity(s): City of Boston Public Works Department; Mobile Food Trucks Commission
Support Entity(s):

Boston Transportation Department; Boston Inspectional Services Department; Boston Police Department; Boston Fire Department; Boston Director of Food Initiatives

Funding Amount: n/a
Funding Sources: n/a
Policy Outcome(s):

This ordinance permits the operation of food trucks within the City of Boston, as well as established rules and regulations regarding food truck use. The ordinance includes specific instruction on obtaining permits to operate a food truck, permit renewal, and general rules about permissible locations for parking, necessary structures within the truck, use of space, and so on. Information regarding permit fees, prohibition regarding the transfer of permits, and other violations is also included. The ordinance also established a Mobile Food Trucks Commission consisting of various city departments in order to regulate and food trucks and establish or amend regulations. The Mobile Food Trucks Commission will also work with applicants to encourage the following: the use of sustainable practices, selling of healthy and affordable food, implementing programs for children and the homeless, and serving areas of the city with low food access during food truck routes.

Additional Resources and Information: Link 1