It’s official: the Grand Rapids City Commission passed an ordinance regulating concession sales on private property in the city Tuesday night – the great food truck debate has come to a head. The ordinance, which has been the source of extreme debate over the past few months, will take effect July 19, 30 days after it was approved by unanimous vote, according to city planner Suzanne Schulz.

The controversy over the ordinance has grown to the point that it has even involved many of the city’s more influential names. Rick DeVos, who attended the public hearing held on June 12th about the ordinance, felt that it would be beneficial to the city, stating that he’s “a real big believer in lots of people trying lots of different things.”

The ordinance will allow and impose regulations on any mobile concessions operated off of private property in the city of Grand Rapids, including stands, stalls, and food trucks. While many feel that the new ordinance is too restrictive and will be detrimental to the city’s ability to attract new entreprenneurs, others are pleased with the approval.

If the ordinance had failed the vote, it would have prevented mobile concessions from setting up shop downtown, a privelege that will be very welcome during the summer months and citywide events, such as ArtPrize.

However, though the food trucks are setting up, they will also have to tear down. In keeping with the idea of ‘mobile’ concessions, the food trucks and other stands will only be allowed to operate for 200 consecutive days of the year, and they must gain approval by the city before they can use the private lots for their operations. [email protected]