News

Wisconsin city’s permit fee causes operator to consider relocating

December 26, 2018

Greenfield, Wisconsin's plan to require special permits for food trucks next year has caused the only active food truck in the Milwaukee suburb to consider relocating, according to mns.com.

Alex Obradovich, owner of Firewise Barbecue, whose food truck has been parked at Rogan's Shoes, 4350 S. 76th St., and at Ken Michael's Furniture Milwaukee Mattress, 4140 S. 108th St. for three years, is considering relocating since the city will require him to pay $450 for each location. Previously, the city only required food truck owners to get permission from property owners.

Food trucks are allowed to sell at curbside in Greenfield with only state and health department clearance, but Obradovich considers selling at curbside unsafe for customers and for the truck.

Mayor Michael Neitzke said a special use permit ensures neighbors will have a say in whether they want a food truck around. He said people might not want the sound from the truck's generator or the aroma of food. The $450 fee is to cover costs for notifying neighbors, holding a public hearing, staff investigations and delivering the results to decision-makers, according to the city.