Mobile kitchen provisions moving through government

The town of Signal Mountain is moving toward figuring out a way to permit mobile kitchens like the one David Soloff uses to sell barbecue outside both the mountain's municipalities.

"I think it's a neat, urban, trendy thing, and we're suburban," said Vice Mayor Susan Robertson. "I think it's an issue the community needs to be in on."

The culinary concept is "being discussed all over the country," said Town Manager Honna Rogers, "and nobody's quite figured it out yet," including Walden. Signal Mountain Town Attorney Phil Noblett noted generator noise, number of trash cans, setback requirements, and advantage over brick and mortar competitors as some concerns that should be addressed as the town tries to figure out how to address the issue.

Hamilton County already has provisions for mobile kitchens in its codes, said Soloff, as does Chattanooga.

"I'm leaning toward going this way," said Councilman Dick Gee. "We keep talking about trying to encourage business."

He suggested a temporary allowance in regards to Soloff's request to set up shop outside Pruett's.

"Put it out there for six months. I really think we're not going to find the answers we want until we actually run the experiment," he said.

The setup and aesthetic of Soloff's establishment may be an experiment in itself. The restaurateur presented Council members drawings depicting a more permanent structure attached to the building, with the wheels removed and skirting added to hide the holding tanks placed there.

"I'm concerned if we set a precedent by allowing a temporary structure, that moves us toward [having] a carnival midway," said Mayor Bill Lusk, who supports something more like what Soloff presented.

Gee said he'd rather "deal with it as what it is ... rather than disguising it as what it's not."

While Soloff said he'd prefer to be in a fixed brick and mortar building, sewer problems are preventing him from doing so. His mobile unit is self-contained and doesn't have restrooms, thus bypassing the strict regulations in conjunction with the sewer moratorium. Already outfitted and permitted buildings like the one that formerly housed Taco Bell are too expensive, he said.

The town's zoning does not specifically prohibit mobile kitchens, but some restrictions in the planned commerce center, which applies to Signal Plaza where Pruett's is located, would need to be changed or stricken.

"Changing a zoning ordinance for one purpose is always problematic; it's not something you do lightly," said Robertson. "Once you open that door, that door stays open with a zoning change."

Zoning changes require 15 days of public advertisement before action can be taken. The issue will likely be decided at the Town Council's October meeting, where citizens will have a chance to voice their opinions and concerns.

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