[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
The following terms, as used in this Part, shall be defined as follows:
BOROUGH
The Borough of State College, a Home Rule Municipality, Centre County, Pennsylvania.
MANAGER
The Borough Manager as appointed by the State College Borough Council pursuant to Section 502.1 of the Home Rule Charter of the Borough of State College.
MOBILE FOOD PEDDLER
Any person, firm, corporation, vendor, or operator within the Borough engaging in the peddling, selling, or taking of orders, either by sample or otherwise, of food items to be used or sold for immediate human consumption, in serving size packages using a mobile unit either in a stationary position on private or public property or in a moving position on public streets. This definition shall apply to any mobile unit who dispenses food items to the public which are pre-packaged, or are cooked, prepared, and/or assembled, and served from within the mobile unit.
MOBILE RETAIL FOOD FACILITY
Mobile units, including food trucks, trailers, stick stands, carts, and other similar structures that are mobile transitory by design from which food is stored, prepared, processed, distributed, or sold. A mobile retail food facility is synonymous with the term "retail food facility" as defined in PA State Regulation, Title 7, Chapter 46, PA Food Code.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE REGULATION
The rules and regulations adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Regulation, Title 7, Chapter 46, Food Code Regulation, issued under the Retail Food Facility Safety Act of 2010[1] as now enacted and as may be revised from time to time.
VEHICLE
A vehicle which is registered, inspected, and carries proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance) as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Motor Vehicle Code, Title 75.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 3 Pa.C.S.A. § 5701 et seq.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
Every person defined herein as a mobile food peddler, whether acting on his own behalf, as principal, or as the employee or agent of another, shall obtain a license as hereinafter provided:
a. 
Application. Application for a mobile retail food facility license shall be on the forms provided by the Borough. The application shall be completed in its entirety and signed by the applicant. Each owner or operator shall make a separate application for each mobile unit used for peddling. Group or joint applications or licenses, or a license for fleet or multiple vehicles shall not be permitted, except as provided in § 9-902f. The applicant shall be responsible for all processing fees associated with the application.
(1) 
A retail food facility plan for review shall be submitted with the initial application for a mobile retail food facility license.
(2) 
Operators shall provide a copy of a contract as proof of using a grease rendering company (if applicable) within the facility plan which is contracted to dispose of used cooking grease.
(3) 
Operators shall provide information within the facility plan concerning a potable water source and shall include a copy of a contract as proof of using a wastewater disposal company (if applicable) which is contracted to dispose of wastewater.
b. 
Processing the Application. The Borough may take up to 30 days, not including weekends or holidays, to process the application for a mobile retail food facility license.
(1) 
During the processing period, the Borough shall, in all cases where items are proposed to be sold for human consumption, review and approve the facility plan, including equipment to be used for the operation in retail sales and ensure compliance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Regulation, Title 7, Chapter 46, Food Code Regulation, issued under the Retail Food Facility Safety Act of 2010. The Borough shall also verify the vehicle identification number and current matching registration and proof of current financial responsibility (liability insurance) for any vehicle used for the peddling of food items. The vehicle owner shall also provide, in all cases, proof of current business liability insurance associated with the product or products provided for sample or being sold for human consumption.
(2) 
Upon review and verification of the information provided on the application, the Borough's Health Department shall approve or deny the issuance of a mobile retail food facility license. The Borough's Health Department shall have the right to deny any application for just cause.
c. 
Responsibility for Payment of Taxes. Mobile retail food facilities or any persons who conduct business activities on their behalf shall be subject to the provisions of the Earned Income and Net Profits Tax and Local Services Tax, as defined under the Local Tax Enabling Act, amended by Act 32 of 2008. Each person must be registered with the applicable local tax office and comply with local withholding requirements and/or self-reporting requirements. In addition to meeting their local tax obligations, vendors and persons who are conducting business on their behalf must also comply with the Pennsylvania and federal tax regulations.
d. 
License. The license shall contain the information required on the application, along with the expiration date, and one of the photographs that were submitted with the application shall be attached. The license shall also contain the vehicle registration plate number and state of issue. The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous location, on or within the mobile unit, at all times during operation.
e. 
Term of License and Fees. The term for a mobile retail food facility license shall be specified on the license and shall not exceed one calendar year. The fee for a mobile retail food facility license and associated fees shall be set by resolution of Council from time to time.
(1) 
A not-for-profit organization shall provide proof of tax exemption status as required under the Retail Food Facility Safety Act of 2010, as may be revised from time to time. The not-for-profit organization shall be charged an application processing fee by the Borough as set by resolution of Council from time to time and an hourly rate for inspection by the Borough for compliance with Title 7, Chapter 46, Food Code Regulation.
f. 
Exceptions. The Borough's Health Department shall have the right to permit an individual or a group application for a temporary mobile retail food facility license under the following conditions:
(1) 
The mobile retail food facility license is in connection with an event or activity sponsored by or conducted by the Borough of State College, the State College Area School District, the Downtown State College Improvement District, Centre Region Parks and Recreation or the Pennsylvania State University.
g. 
In the event that the mobile retail food facility license is approved under this section, the vendor may be granted relief from the requirements of § 9-1108.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
The Borough's Health Department is authorized to suspend or revoke, for a specific period of time, any license issued under this Part under the following circumstances:
a. 
If the licensee or others named in the license are convicted of a felony or misdemeanor during the period, during which the license is in effect.
b. 
If the Health Department determines the status of the authenticity of the mobile food peddler has changed.
c. 
If it is determined that the mobile food peddler has given false information on the application.
d. 
If unsafe or harmful goods are being sold to the public.
e. 
If it is determined that the approval of the food handling permits has been suspended or revoked.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
Any person whose application for a mobile retail food facility license is disapproved by the Health Department, or whose license is suspended or revoked by the Health Department for an administrative reason, or for violation of any state law or ordinance within this Borough, may appeal such action to the Borough Manager. Such appeal shall be in writing and signed by the person and filed in the office of the Borough Manager within 10 days of the date of such action appealed from. The Manager shall conduct a hearing within 30 days of the filing of such appeal and shall notify such person, by written letter mailed to the permanent address of the person shown on the application, such mailing to occur 15 days or more prior to the scheduled hearing. In lieu of mailing such notice, it may be delivered personally to such person. Following the hearing, the Manager shall affirm the action appealed from or reverse such action or may modify the action of the Health Department. The Health Department shall not participate in the making of such decision but shall be permitted to testify or present evidence. Any person who disagrees with the Manager's decision may appeal such decision to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.
a. 
Food Code and Related Violations. Any person whose application for a mobile retail food facility license is suspended or revoked for violation of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Agriculture, Title 7, Chapter 46, Food Code Regulation, issued under the Retail Food Facility Safety Act of 2010, may appeal such action to the State College Board of Health within 10 days. Such appeal shall be in writing and signed by the person making the appeal and filed in the office of the Director of the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. The State College Board of Health shall conduct a hearing within 30 days of the filing of such appeal and shall notify such person by written letter mailed to the permanent address of the person shown on the application, such mailing to occur 15 days or more prior to the scheduled hearing. In lieu of mailing such notice, it may be delivered personally to such person. The State College Board of Health may, by majority vote of members present, affirm, reverse, or modify the action to suspend or revoke the permit. The decision rendered by the State College Board of Health shall be final.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
a. 
Certified Food Employee On Duty. Each newly licensed mobile food peddler selling items used for human consumption shall have, within their employ and prior to operation, at least one certified food employee who is available and with the unit at all times or available by phone. Mobile food peddlers that sell only commercially pre-packaged, or non-potentially hazardous food shall be exempt from this requirement.
b. 
Used Cooking Grease and Wastewater Disposal. Each mobile food peddler shall be responsible for the proper disposal of used cooking grease and wastewater (if applicable) and shall have a company under contract to comply with the terms of this Part. A mobile retail food facility license may be immediately revoked for the improper disposal of cooking grease or wastewater.
c. 
Refuse and Recyclable Materials. Operators shall provide their own containers for the disposal of refuse and recyclable materials generated as a result of retail sales and shall not use trash receptacles provided for public use on any sidewalk or right-of-way within the Borough, nor shall they use privately owned dumpsters within the Borough. Commercial solid waste generated within the Borough and disposed of in any residential area within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is prohibited. Operators may use any community shared dumpster for the disposal of solid waste. Recycled corrugated cardboard receptacles provided at various locations throughout the Commercial District may be used for cardboard recycling.
d. 
Each mobile food peddler shall be responsible for the cleanup of any refuse or litter which may be deposited by the operator or clientele in their area of operation.
e. 
Motor Vehicle Compliance. Each vehicle used for peddling and operating within the Borough shall bear a valid registration plate, valid inspection sticker and proof of financial responsibility (vehicle liability insurance) in accordance with Title 75, the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
Mobile food peddlers may conduct business in any commercial zoning districts. Operation of a mobile retail food facility may be permitted in any other zoning district, including a residential zoning district, on public or private property, with the submission of a special event application and subject to approval by Borough Council and/or the Borough Manager.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
Mobile food peddlers may conduct business between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. with the exception of any commercial zoning districts, in which there are no hourly restrictions.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
a. 
Mobile food peddlers shall not occupy a stationary location on any public sidewalk, street, or right-of-way, nor shall they conduct business through a window or over a counter which extends into a roadway laned for vehicle traffic. There shall be no interference with or blocking the movement of any pedestrians or vehicles by the mobile food peddler.
b. 
Mobile food peddlers shall not remain in a stationary (nonmoving) location at any time to solicit sales on any street within the Borough except when an actual sale is taking place. All sales shall be conducted from the street and along the curb. Mobile food peddlers shall be prohibited from parking on any public sidewalk or right-of-way within the Borough.
c. 
If a pushcart is used by any mobile food peddler, it shall not be permitted to remain in a fixed (nonmoving) location on any public sidewalk or street at any time except when an actual sale is taking place.
d. 
Mobile food peddlers shall not be permitted to park and conduct business at any parking meter or in any loading zone, handicapped parking space, commuter zone parking space, or on any public street or in any alley or other location deemed hazardous by the Borough.
e. 
Mobile food peddlers shall not make or cause to be made any loud noise to attract attention except for an initial identifiable repetitive jingle to announce the vehicle arrival and location. Mobile food peddlers shall comply with the requirements of the Noise Control Ordinance as defined in the State College Borough Code, Chapter V, Part A, § 5-103.
No temporary retail sales shall be conducted within the area designated by Council for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts or the First Night during those periods designated by Council for the conduct of these activities except for those approved by the Arts Festival Organization. The Arts Festival Organization shall have the authority to approve or disapprove mobile food peddling operations within the designated Arts Festival or First Night areas and may limit the number of mobile food peddlers and further restrict hours of operation within these designated areas.
f. 
Mobile food peddlers shall be prohibited from conducting business in any parking garage, parking deck or public metered parking lot within the Borough.
g. 
Signage concerning menus and other advertisements associated with a mobile food peddler shall be limited to the length of the vehicle times two square feet and shall be located on the vehicle. Sandwich board, hand billing or other advertisements are prohibited. Additional advertisement on top of a vehicle shall be limited to one sign, a maximum length of the vehicle, and shall extend no higher than two feet above the main portion of the vehicle roof. No sign attached to a vehicle is permitted to hang over or protrude onto any public sidewalk, street, alley, or right-of-way within the Borough. No sign shall move by electronic or mechanical means, flash or include moving illumination. No sign shall be permitted which is determined to be a hazard to public safety.
h. 
Mobile food peddlers may not operate in a municipal park without the submission of a special event application and subject to approval by Borough Council and/or the Borough Manager.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
Mobile food peddlers may operate on private property within the Commercial and Commercial Incentive Zoning Districts of the Borough under the following conditions:
a. 
Written permission shall be obtained from the property owner and/or the property lessee.
b. 
In addition to a mobile retail food facility license, a zoning permit shall be required prior to operation on any privately owned property should a mobile food peddler use the location for retail sales for seven or more consecutive days or a lease is established with the property owner.
c. 
The zoning permit fee shall be in addition to a mobile retail food facility license fee and shall be set by resolution of Council from time to time.
d. 
Mobile food peddlers shall be permitted to operate at a construction site on private property during those hours in which actual construction work is taking place, provided the mobile food peddler has permission from the site manager or foreman.
All other licensing and permitting provisions of this Part shall apply.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
a. 
The mobile food peddler shall be fully contained within the property of the owner granting permission and shall not extend or operate on any portion of a public sidewalk, street, alley or other public property or right-of-way.
b. 
Signage concerning menus and other advertisements associated with a mobile food peddler shall be limited to the length of the vehicle times two square feet and shall be located on the vehicle.
c. 
One sandwich board sign shall be permitted, providing such sign fits in the approved property where the mobile food peddler is located. The maximum size of a sandwich board sign shall not exceed an area of 10 square feet on each face of the sign.
d. 
Hand billing or other advertisements shall be prohibited.
e. 
Additional advertisement on top of a vehicle shall be limited to one sign, a maximum length of the vehicle, and shall extend no higher than two feet above the main portion of the roof.
f. 
No sign attached to a vehicle is permitted to hang over or protrude onto any public sidewalk, street, alley, or right-of-way within the Borough.
g. 
No sign shall move by electronic or mechanical means, flash or include moving illumination.
h. 
No sign shall be permitted which is determined to be a hazard to public safety.
i. 
Operation of a Mobile Retail Food Facility may be permitted in a residential zoning district on private property with the submission and approval of a Special Event Application to Borough Council and/or the Borough Manager.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
No person, firm, corporation, owner, operator, employee, or associate of a mobile food peddler licensed under this Part shall resist or interfere with an authorized representative of the Borough in the performance of his or her duty while conducting an inspection for compliance with this Part or any law relating to the Food Code Regulation, or ordinance relating to retail dealer licensing. An annual inspection shall be required for mobile food peddlers selling items used for human consumption.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
Any person who shall violate any provision of this Part and is found guilty shall be fined not less than $300 nor more than $1,000 for the first offense, and not less than $600 nor more than $1,000 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the third and subsequent offense in any 180-day period. Upon failure to pay such fine, the person shall be sentenced to jail for a term not to exceed 30 days for each offense.
a. 
A penalty provided for under this Part may be imposed in addition to any penalty that may be imposed for any other criminal offense arising from the same conduct.
b. 
Each act of violation and every day upon which such violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
[Ord. No. 2161, 6/30/2021]
This Part shall take effect immediately.