Long-term plans for if, how, when and where to allow food trucks are under consideration. At present, the City of Westerville only allows food trucks or food carts as part of special events, such as 4th Friday (sponsored by the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau) or the Great Westerville Food Truck Fest (sponsored by the Westerville Area Resource Ministry).

Food Truck Pilot Program
To better gauge interest, issues, potential challenges and opportunities, the City has extended a voluntary food truck pilot program to help coordinate trucks and carts that are interested in operating in Westerville. Participating food trucks are asked to complete a notice of intent form and submit it to the City for review by several key departments and divisions. 

2024 Notice of Intent Form

Mobile food vendors are asked to meet several standards, including permission to be on the property where they want to operate. Vendors may not block the public right of way, such as a sidewalk, and must meet existing signage regulations. Other City departments, such as the Police and Fire Divisions, advise on public safety and emergency access matters where trucks and carts may be located.

Other important details about the program:

• Completion of the form by food truck vendors is voluntary, but vendors are being notified that their actions and performance will be taken into account when future regulations (if any) are formulated. 
• This program applies to food trucks citywide and is not limited to the Uptown District.
• The City is not recruiting food truck vendors. The food truck form is provided to trucks that either contact the City or are discovered to be operating within City limits.

Whether or not a vendor chooses to participate in the pilot program, all food trucks and carts are required to be licensed and inspected by Franklin County Public Health, Columbus Public Health or Delaware County Public Health (depending on where the truck/cart operates).

Public Feedback
Public input is very important to the evaluation process. Residents, businesses and visitors to the community are invited to provide feedback or express an opinion by completing this brief online survey or e-mailing CodeEnforcement@westerville.org.