2025-117

WHEREAS, Mobile Food Establishments (MFEs) are permitted in zoning districts that allow restaurants, with a 250-foot buffer from permanent restaurant locations; and

WHEREAS, the city limits the number of MFEs to six; and

WHEREAS, MFEs are allowed to operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, MFEs are also permitted in designated parking spaces near Miantonomi Park and on sidewalks adjacent to Eisenhower, Perrotti, and Miantonomi parks, as well as the Community College of Rhode Island campus; and

WHEREAS, licensees must comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including state permits for retail sales; and

WHEREAS, the MFE license must be displayed prominently on the unit; and

WHEREAS, licensees must maintain a current State of Rhode Island Permit to Make Sales at Retail; and

WHEREAS, a new visitor parking lot located on JT Connell Highway at the exit ramp of the Newport Bridge provides free parking and transportation serviced by Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) shuttles; and

WHEREAS, this lot creates an opportunity for MFEs to operate to provide food services to visitors; now THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that the city administration present to the City Council revisions to the MFE ordinance to allow for a maximum of 2 MFEs to operate simultaneously in the new JT Connell parking lot from the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
JULY 9, 2025

LAURA C. SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK