GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD/AP) — Two controversial ordinances involving food trucks and open burning in Grand Rapids were approved by city commissioners Tuesday night.
The food truck ordinance passed unanimously which will allow the trucks to operate on designated public spaces such as Gillette Bridge, Calder Plaza and Rosa Parks Circle.
The ordinance now limits noise levels to 70 decibels from a distance of 15 feet away and the exhaust pipe must point away from the the service side of the truck.
Vendors are required to obtain a license from the city each year to operate the food trucks.
The open burning ordinance passed by a 4-3 vote allowing backyard fires in the city.
Residents will need a $50 annual permit from the city, although only properties with a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet will be considered.
The ordinance states that the burn pits must be at least 20 feet away from any structure or fence and must be contained in a pit or chimenea. No fires are allowed on high risk fire days or Ozone Action Days.
Fires must be extinguished by 10 p.m. and residents need permission from their neighbors on either side.
Both ordinances were adopted as two-year pilot programs and will be reviewed again in 2018.