HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 3689ORDINANCE NO. 3689
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH
RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE IV
OF THE NORTH RICHLAND HILLS CODE OF ORDINANCES, FOOD
AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS, ADDING DIVISION 6, MOBILE FOOD
UNITS; AND AMENDING APPENDIX A, FEE SCHEDULE; PROVIDING
A PENALTY; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE
CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES AND REPEAL OF
CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; - PROVIDING A
PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING A TERMINATION DATE.
WHEREAS, The City of North Richland Hills ("City") is a home rule city acting under its
charter adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the
Texas Constitution and Chapter 9 of the Texas Local Government Code;
and
WHEREAS, The effects of the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus and COVID-
19 have significantly affected the economy and modified the manner in
which the food industry delivers services; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Department of State Health Services has modified its rules and
regulations for mobile food vendors; and
WHEREAS, To assist local businesses and to ensure compliance with the rules and
regulations of the Texas Department of State Health Services, the City
Council wishes to amend Chapter 18 to modify certain administrative and
enforcement requirements and expand operations allowed for mobile food
units;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS:
SECTION 1: That Chapter 18, Article IV, of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances
shall be amended by adding Division 6, Mobile Food Units, Sections 18-279
through 18-292, which shall be and read as follows:
DIVISION 6. - MOBILE FOOD UNITS.
Sec. 18-279. - Definitions.
When specifically used in this article, the following words and terms, unless the
context indicates a different meaning, shall have the meaning assigned to them below.
Unless otherwise defined herein in this Division 6, this section shall include and
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 1 of 16
incorporate all definitions included in the regulations adopted in Chapter 18, Article IV,
Section 18-191, of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances, and the Texas Food
Establishment Rules ("TFER"), 25 TAC 228. If there is any conflict between Divisions 1-
5, and this Division 6, the definition specifically set forth in this Division 6 shall control
during the time this ordinance is in effect.
Commissary means an approved central preparation food facility that is permitted
and inspected by a municipal, county, or state regulating health authority and is
constructed and operated in compliance with this ordinance.
Food establishment as it is defined in Section 18-191, and/or as referenced in
Article IV, Divisions 1-5, shall not apply to this Division 6 during the time this ordinance
is in effect.
Food service establishment means any establishment or operation where food is
prepared or served at wholesale or retail for pay. Food service establishments include but
are not limited to, restaurants, food stands, mobile food units, push carts, drink stands.
Mobile food establishment as it is defined in Section 18-191, and/or as referenced
in Article IV, Divisions 1-5, shall not apply to this Division 6 during the time this
ordinance is in effect.
Mobile food unit means a vehicle -mounted food service establishment or a food
service establishment pulled behind a vehicle to be readily moveable.
Non—Time/Temperature Control for Safety (NTCS) food means a food that does not
require time and temperature control for safety to limit pathogen growth and toxin
production. NTCS foods include but are not limited to popcorn, pretzels, chips, snow
cones, cotton candy, pickles, and cookies and food in an unopened hermetically sealed
container that is commercially processed to achieve and maintain commercial sterility
under conditions of non -refrigerated storage and distribution.
Person in Charge means the individual present at a food establishment who is
responsible for the operation at the time of inspection.
Pushcart means a non -self-propelled MFU limited to serving foods requiring a limited
amount of preparation as authorized by the regulatory authority and readily movable by
one or two persons. A pushcart is classified as an MFU. A pushcart does not include non -
self -propelled units owned and operated within a retail food store. This type of MFU
requires the support of a commissary. Pushcarts are limited to the sale of Non-TCS and
packaged frozen desserts such as ice cream bars, popsicles, or frozen ice pops).
Readily movable means that a vehicle has not been altered in such a way that would
limit its ability to promptly be moved or conveyed from one place to another.
Regulatory authority means any City of North Richland Hills officer, employee, or
department of the city, designated by the city manager to administer and enforce this
article.
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 2 of 16
Reinspection means an inspection to determine compliance with applicable health
regulations.
Reinspection fee means a fee assessed by the regulatory authority based on (i) a
health inspection score of 30 or greater; (ii) repeat critical violations; and/or (iii) an
establishment's failure to correct one or more issues addressed at the time of inspection
within the time frame established by the inspector.
Rules and regulations means the state rules found at 25 Texas Administrative Code,
Chapter 228. These rules are also known as the "Texas Food Establishment Rules"
("TFER"). Such rules and regulations have been adopted by the City and shall be in full
force and effect within the city limits of the city.
Sanitary facilities means a water closet, toilet or restroom facilities which discharge
the sewage effluent and wastewater into an approved holding tank, on -site sewage
disposal system, or municipal sanitary system.
Single -Service Articles means a container or utensil intended for one time usage only.
Solicitor means any person who requests any orders for goods or services, whether
for profit or not -for profit, including any person who makes requests for money, goods or
services on behalf of any religious, veterans', charitable or fraternal organization.
Solicitors include mobile food units that enter into any residential or multi -family zoned
districts or parks.
Temporary food establishment as it is defined in Section 18-191, and/or as referenced
in Article IV, Divisions 1-5, shall not apply to this Division 6 during the time this ordinance
is in effect.
Temporary Food Unit means a food service establishment which operates at a fixed
location for a period of time not to exceed three consecutive days in conjunction with a
Special Event or celebration.
Temperature Control for Safety Food (TCS)--(formerly Potentially Hazardous Food
(PHF)) means food that requires time/temperature control for safety to limit pathogenic
microorganism growth or toxin formation. An animal food that is raw or heat -treated. A
plant food that is heat -treated or consists of raw seed sprouts, cut melons, cut leafy
greens, cut tomatoes or mixture of cut tomatoes that are not modified in a way so that
they are unable to support pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation, or garlic -
in -oil mixtures that are not modified in a way so that they are unable to support pathogenic
microorganism growth or toxin formation.
Weekend food vendor as it is defined and set forth in Section 18-191, and/or as
referenced in Article IV, Divisions 1-5, shall not apply to this Division 6 during the time this
ordinance is in effect.
Sec. 18-280. - Permit required.
No person, company, or corporation shall operate a mobile food unit (MFU) without a
valid permit issued by the City of North Richland Hills Neighborhood Services
Department. Each mobile food unit requires a separate permit.
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 3 of 16
Sec. 18-281. - Permit categories.
(a) Mobile Food Unit
(1) Full Service Mobile Food Unit is a full service kitchen and must be equipped with
a hand sink, three compartment sink, 100°F potable hot water, and a gray water
tank 15% larger than the potable water tank. Open windows must have 16 mesh
per square inch screening, and all equipment must be National Sanitation
Foundation (NSF) -approved, commercial grade. Operators must have accredited
food handler training and operations must be overseen by a Certified Food
Manager.
(2) Dessert Truck Mobile Food Unit is a truck serving baked goods such as cupcakes,
snow cones, shaved ice, scooped ice cream, or other desserts with limited
preparation and handling. Dessert truck mobile food units must be equipped with
a hand sink, three compartment sink, 100°F potable hot water, and a gray water
tank 15% larger than the potable water tank. Open windows must have 16 mesh
per square inch screening, and all equipment must be National Sanitation
Foundation (NSF) -approved, commercial grade. Operators must have accredited
food handler training and operations must be overseen by a Certified Food
Manager.
(3) Limited Service Mobile Food Unit is a mobile food unit from which one the
following foods and beverages are served, sold or distributed:
i. food that is prepackaged, bottled, or otherwise prepared and packaged
in individual servings at a commissary, properly labeled and held at
41 OF or less or 1350F or more;
ii. NTCS beverages that are dispensed from covered urns or other
protected equipment. Limited service may not be required to comply
with requirements of this chapter pertaining to the necessity of water
and sewage systems nor to those requirements pertaining to the
cleaning and sanitization of equipment and utensils if the required
equipment for cleaning and sanitization exists at its commissary.
Mobile food units that serve prepackaged ice cream are included as
limited service. Open food handling such as nachos, shaved ice, or
bulk pickles is specifically prohibited.
(4) Vegetable and Fruit Vendor Mobile Food unit is a mobile food unit from which only
whole, uncooked vegetables or fruits are served, sold, or distributed. Produce
vendors cannot cut or sample fruit/vegetables on site.
Sec. 18-282. - Application.
A person seeking a mobile food unit permit shall make application for a permit as required
by this Section 18-280 of this article on a form provided by the regulatory authority. The
form must be notarized prior to submission to the city.
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 4 of 16
(a) In addition to other information specifically required on the form, the applicant shall
provide the following information as part of the application:
1. Name, date of birth, and valid driver's license number of the applicant;
2. Applicant's address (both physical and mailing addresses) and telephone
number;
3. Applicant's email address;
4. Registered Agent name, address and telephone number, if applicable
5. A description of the vending vehicle which will be used under this permit.
This information shall include the manufacturer, model year, and color and
vehicle identification number.
6. Proof of current vehicle insurance for mobile food unit;
7. A complete menu identifying the type of food to be vended and the manner
in which it is to be vended;
8. Proof of Certified Food Manager for person in charge of the mobile food
unit;
9. Accredited Food Handler cards for any staff who may operate the mobile
food unit;
10.If the permit application is for the sale of approved, openly handled food
from a vehicle or a trailer, a water sample test result from a drinking water
bacteriology laboratory accredited by the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality showing the absence of coliform and E. coli which
was performed within thirty (30) days prior to the date of the permit
application;
11. Completion of a form issued by the regulatory authority that contains the
address and food establishment permit number of the commissary required
by this article. The form must be notarized, signed by the commissary
operator, and include a statement that the mobile food unit applicant has
access to commissary facilities for food preparation, all food and utensil
storage, and cleaning and maintenance activities. The form shall not be
dated more than thirty (30) days prior to the application submission to the
city and must identify the location of the commissary and contact
information for the commissary operator. A copy of the most recent health
inspection for the commissary is also required at the time of application.
12.Any other information required by the regulatory authority, including written
permission from the property owner on a form designated by the regulatory
authority, authorizing use of the property by the MFU and specifying the
date and time of operations, including use of the restroom facilities.
(b) The valid MFU permit sticker shall be placed by the regulatory authority and shall
be displayed prominently on the back of the mobile food unit.
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 5 of 16
(c) Mobile food unit permits shall be valid for one (1) year from the time of the permit
issuance.
(d) Mobile food unit permits shall not be transferred and shall be considered
suspended should the ownership, operation or use be altered from that specified
in the permit application or at the time of permit issuance.
Sec. 18-283. - Inspection.
(a) The regulatory authority shall inspect the mobile food unit at the time of initial
permitting and at permit renewal each year to determine if the vending operation
is being conducted in such a manner as to comply with the conditions of the permit,
the provisions of this article, other applicable city ordinances and state and federal
statutes, regulations and rules. Said inspection shall be conducted at a time and
location designated by the regulatory authority.
(b) An annual fire inspection shall be required for mobile food units upon initial
permitting and for each renewal of the mobile food unit permit. The fire inspection
may be conducted simultaneously with the annual inspection by the regulatory
authority, or prior to the regulatory authority's inspection.
(c) The regulatory authority shall require a mobile food unit operator to demonstrate
that the unit is readily moveable. Alteration, removal, attachments, placement or
change in, under, or upon the mobile food unit that would prevent or otherwise
reduce the mobile food unit's ability to be readily moveable is prohibited.
(d) The regulatory authority may take food samples to be examined or taken for
analysis as often as necessary for enforcement of this article and may, upon
written notice to the owner or person in charge specifying with particularity the
reasons thereof, place a hold order on any food which is believed to be in violation
of any portion of this article, and shall tag, label, or otherwise identify any food
subject to the hold order.
(e) No food subject to a hold order under Section 18-283(d) shall be used, served or
removed from the unit until the vendor of such food has furnished proof of the
wholesomeness of the food product to the regulatory authority. The regulatory
authority shall permit storage of the food under conditions specified in the hold
order, unless storage is not possible without risk to the public health, in which case
immediate destruction shall be ordered and accomplished. The hold order shall
state that a request for hearing may be filed within ten (10) days and that if no
hearing is requested, the food shall be destroyed. A hearing shall be held in
accordance with Section 18-234 of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances if
so requested and, on the basis of evidence produced at that hearing, the hold order
may be vacated, or the owner or person in charge of the food may be directed by
written notice to denature or destroy such food or bring it into compliance with the
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 6 of 16
provisions of this article. All costs accruing from such removal thereof shall be
borne and paid for by the owner thereof.
(f) Mobile food units shall be prepared for inspection by the regulatory authority or
designee at all times when operating within the City of North Richland Hills.
(g) Nothing provided in this section shall be construed to prohibit the regulatory
authority from conducting inspections of mobile food units as often as needed to
ensure compliance with the Texas Food Establishment Rules and as provided in
this Code.
(h) Health inspections of mobile food units shall be conducted at least once annually
at the time of permit issuance. Additional health inspections may be performed of
the mobile food unit, as deemed necessary by the regulatory authority.
Sec. 18-284. - Operating requirements.
Generally.
(a) Mobile food units shall comply with all requirements of the Texas Food
Establishment Rules (TFER) and Chapter 18, Article IV, except Section 18-275 (c)
— (e) regarding onsite restrooms, grease traps, and mop sinks. Additional
requirements may be imposed to protect against health hazards related to the
conduct of the food establishment as a mobile operation, sale of some or all TCS
may be prohibited, and when no health hazard will result, requirements of this
chapter relating to physical facilities may be waived or modified.
(b) If deemed necessary to protect public health and safety, the regulatory authority
may limit the menu, food items, or preparation methods utilized by the mobile food
unit.
(c) The mobile food unit shall operate in a manner that does not violate any existing
laws or ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills.
(d) Mobile food units shall identify the vehicle with characters not less than three (3)
inches high on both exterior sides of the unit stating the name of the company.
(e) Mobile food units shall comply with all state and local laws pertaining to the
registration of the mobile food unit vehicle. All persons operating and/or driving
the mobile food unit must have a current and valid driver's license and have current
vehicle liability insurance for the mobile food unit vehicle.
(f) Mobile food unit operator(s) shall report any accident involving the MFU to the
Neighborhood Services Department within twenty-four (24) hours of the time the
accident. An inspection of the mobile food unit vehicle involved in the accident shall
be conducted prior to resuming operations within the City of North Richland Hills
to ensure that there is no damage to the vehicle that may result in the
contamination of the food carried or any damage that results in a violation of this
section. Food service from the vehicle involved in the accident will not be
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 7 of 16
authorized within the City of North Richland Hills until it has been inspected and
cleared of any potential hazards resulting from accident. The accident report shall
be made by the mobile food unit permit holder.
Section 18-285. - Approved Locations; Operations.
(a) Public or private property. Mobile Food Units may operate upon properties with
the permission of the property owner or an authorized agent for the property
owner. It shall be unlawful for a mobile food unit to vend:
(1) From a vacant property, stand or other temporary structure;
(2) Upon an area not paved by an asphalt or concrete surface;
(3) Within a visibility triangle as defined by Section 118-714, and illustrated
in Article IX, Illustration Figure 1.9, of the North Richland Hills Code of
Ordinances;
(4) Within fifty (50) feet of an intersection;
(5) Within an area within which the standing or parking of vehicles is
prohibited;
(6) From a public street, right-of-way, sidewalk or other adjacent public or
private property, unless such street, right-of-way, sidewalk or other
property is designated by the City of North Richland Hills as an approved
MFU location and for the timeframes specified by the city for such
location;
(7) From an area other than the side of the MFU;
(8) Upon a premise holding a Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission
license in which alcoholic beverage consumption is prohibited.
(b) Special event permit. Mobile food units may operate in conjunction with a
Special Event Permit as issued by Neighborhood Services Department of the
City of North Richland Hills.
(1) Commercial or industrial property. Mobile food units may operate on
private commercial or industrial property, properly zoned and with the
written notarized permission of the property owner and/or landlord if the
mobile food unit has access to approved flush type toilet facilities,
connected to an approved type sewage system on the private commercial
or industrial property and within one hundred and fifty feet from the MFU.
Mobile food units must be parked on a paved surface and are not allowed
to discharge wastewater or grey water on site.
(2) Residential property. Mobile food units may operate on residential private
property up to two times per year with written notarized permission from
the property owner and with a Special Event Permit, if required by the
City of North Richland Hills. They must be parked on a paved surface
and are not allowed to discharge wastewater or grey water on site.
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 8 of 16
(c) All mobile food units shall comply with this Code as well as with state and federal
law and nothing in this article shall exempt a food vendor from zoning
ordinances.
Section 18-286. - Hours of operation.
The hours of operation of any mobile food unit are subject to the following restrictions,
which such restrictions are in addition to all other restrictions included in the permitting
process:
(a) A mobile food unit may operate in a residential zoned area from 7:00 a.m. Central
Standard Time (CST) until 9:00 p.m. CST.
(1) MFU may only operate at the location following the issuance of the MFU
permit by the regulatory authority and with written permission of the property
owner or authorized agent of the property.
(2) MFU must adhere to the noise level restrictions described in the City of
North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances Chapter 34-33 (23) — Specific
Nuisances.
(3) The MFU must leave the location at the end of the service and may not
remain parked or stored at the location overnight even with the permission
of the property owner.
(b) A mobile food unit may operate in a commercially zoned area during the normal
hours of operation for the business location on which it is permitted to be parked
however, under no circumstances can the MFU operate earlier than 7:00 AM CST
nor later than 11:00 PM CST.
(1) MFU may only operate at the location following the issuance of the MFU
permit by the regulatory authority and with written permission of the property
owner or landlord of the property.
(2) MFU may only operate in the area of the property designated in the
application submitted by the property owner or landlord of the property.
(3) The MFU must leave the location each day and may not remain parked or
stored at the location overnight even with the permission of the property
owner.
(c) A mobile food unit may operate in a Mixed Use/Transit Oriented Zoned District
during the normal hours of operation for the business location on which it is
permitted to be parked however, under no circumstances can the MFU operate
earlier than 6:00 a.m. CST or after 11:00 p.m. CST.
(1) If parked on commercial property within the district it may only operate
during the hours of operation for the business.
(2) If parked in a street parking spot approved for a MFU within the district it
may operate for no more than three (3) consecutive hours.
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 9 of 16
(3) The MFU must leave the location at the end of the three (3) hour timeframe
for operation and may not remain in the parking spot overnight.
(4) The total noise level of any mobile food unit shall comply with NRH Code of
Ordinances Section 34-33 (23), Specific nuisances. The mobile food unit
shall turn off all music and recorded messages while stationary, except
when stopped at a controlled intersection.
Sec. 18-287. - Restricted operations.
(a) Food prepared or packaged in a private home may not be used or offered for human
consumption from a mobile food unit. Food must comply with all labeling laws as
required by Texas Food Establishment Rules.
(b) Refrigeration and equipment must be commercial grade, National Sanitation
Foundation approved and maintain TCS food at the required temperatures as
specified in Texas Food Establishment Rules.
(c) Mobile food units shall not utilize any required business parking spaces or park in a
designated or marked fire lane.
(d) Mobile food units shall not park, stop or stand in areas designated or marked as "no
parking areas" or park in violation of North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances, Ch.
54
(e) Mobile food units must comply with North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances, Ch.
34, as it relates to public nuisances.
(f) Mobile food units may operate at locations where on premise alcohol consumption
is allowed as permitted by Texas Alcohol Beverage Code.
(g) Mobile food units may not dispense alcohol from the vehicle at any time.
(h) Mobile food units may not erect a tent or supply tables or chairs to be used outside
the vehicle or trailer.
(i) At no time shall there be more than one mobile food unit per location or within 300
feet of another mobile food unit unless operating pursuant to a North Richland Hills
Special Event permit, or as otherwise permitted by City ordinance.
Sec. 18-288. - Sanitation requirements generally.
Mobile food units shall comply with the following requirements. These requirements
pertain to all mobile food units unless a specific exception applies:
(a) Mobile food units shall comply with all sanitation and construction regulations as
outlined in Texas Administrative Code § 228 of the Texas Food Establishment
Rules as adopted in this chapter unless specifically addressed in this section.
(b) Garbage storage containers must be maintained on each mobile food unit in a
number sufficient to contain all trash and garbage generated by the mobile food
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 10 of 16
unit. A trash container must be provided by the mobile food unit for customers.
Garbage must be properly disposed of in accordance with all existing laws.
(c) No cooking may be conducted while the vehicle is in motion. All TCS food must
be under strict temperature control as required by TFER at all times.
(d) Equipment for cooling, heating, and cold and hot holding shall be sufficient in
number and capacity to provide adequate temperature control as specified by the
TFER.
(e) All equipment used for maintaining adequate temperature control of TCS foods,
including cold holding and hot holding units, must be functional and remain
operational at all times.
(f) A three compartment sink for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing is required.
(g) A least one hand sink stocked with soap, paper towels, and 100°F hot water shall
be available for convenient use by employees.
(h) Mobile food units shall provide only single -service articles (ex. disposable
plasticware) for use by the consumer.
(i) Floors, walls, and ceilings of the mobile food unit must be constructed of durable,
easily cleanable material, including, but not limited to, anodized aluminum,
stainless steel, or tile.
Sec. 18-289. - Sanitation requirements for units with facilities for preparing or
dispensing unpackaged food.
In addition to the sanitation requirements described in section 18-287, mobile food unit
vendors preparing and vending food from a mobile food unit, shall comply with the
following requirements:
(a) The commissary shall include at least overhead protection for any supplying,
cleaning or servicing operation. Areas used only for the loading of water and/or the
discharge of sewage and other liquid waste, through the use of a closed system of
hoses, need not be provided with overhead protection. The commissary shall
include a location for the flushing and the draining of liquid waste separate from
the location provided for water servicing and for the loading and the unloading of
food and related supplies.
(b) The commissary shall maintain a log of mobile food units being serviced at the
commissary and require each mobile food unit that is serviced to document the
date and time of arrival and departure from the commissary and the services
performed.
(c) The commissary will make available for inspection the records of the mobile food
units serviced.
(d) All water and gas distribution pipes or tubing shall be constructed and installed in
accordance with public health, fire department, and plumbing standards as set out
by the ordinances of the city. The water for said operations shall be potable water
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 11 of 16
from an approved source. At least once each calendar month, the owner operator
of a mobile food unit shall sanitize water tanks. Records of sanitization shall be
made available to the department upon inspection.
(e) A water heating device of sufficient capacity, or an instantaneous water heater,
capable of producing one hundred (100) degrees Fahrenheit hot water during the
entire time of operation shall be provided in the mobile food unit.
(f) All food service operations shall be conducted within the mobile food unit or within
the commissary.
Sec. 18-290. — Enforcement Authority.
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the regulatory authority, or
designee, shall have authority to enact rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of Chapter 18, Article IV, including regulations pertaining to
construction and size requirements for mobile food units, and, with input from the fire
department, regulations pertaining to the installation, use, safety, and maintenance
of propane tanks and natural gas apparatus in a mobile unit vehicle.
(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, Sections 18-192- 194, 18-
211-215, and 18-231- 234 of this Code related to compliance, fees, penalties,
permits, correction of violations, permit suspension and revocation, and fines apply
to mobile food units.
Sec. 18-291. - Penalty.
Any person, firm, association of persons, company, and corporation or their agents,
servants, or employees violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this
article shall be fined, upon conviction, as provided in Section 1-13. A violation under this
article is declared to be unlawful and a misdemeanor, with such offense being punishable
by a fine not exceeding $500.00; provided, however, that a penalty for the violation of a
rule, ordinance or police regulation that governs fire safety, zoning, or public health and
sanitation, including dumping of refuse, shall be a fine not exceeding $2,000.00. Each
day any violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. In addition to
imposing a criminal penalty, the city may, in accordance with Chapter 54, of the Texas
Local Government Code, as amended, bring a civil action against a person violating a
provision of this chapter.
Sec. 18-292. - Correction of violations; suspension of permit; revocation of permit.
(a) Enforcement procedures. The regulatory authority may establish enforcement
procedures to ensure compliance with this article which are consistent with the
regulations adopted herein, including, but not limited to written warnings, compliance
time limits, re -inspection fees, citations, permit suspensions and permit revocation.
(b) Inspections. The inspection report form shall specify a reasonable period of time for
the correction of the violations found, and correction of the violations shall be
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 12 of 16
accomplished within the period specified, in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) If an imminent hazard exists, due to an emergency such as a fire, flood,
extended interruption of electrical or water service, lack of hot water (at least
100;deg;F or no less than the minimum required temperature set by the TFER),
sewage backup, misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of apparent food
borne illness outbreak, uncontrolled infestation of insects or rodents, grossly
unsanitary occurrence or condition, or other circumstance that may endanger
public health or safety, the permit holder shall immediately discontinue
operations and notify the regulatory authority. If a mobile food unit is closed or
operations have ceased for any of the above mentioned violations, they must
cease operation and shall not reopen until such time as the violations or repairs
have been completed and a re -inspection has been completed by the
regulatory authority.
(2) Mobile food unit violations shall be corrected immediately and within a time
specified by the regulatory authority, and not to exceed 24 hours following the
inspection identifying the violation, unless such time is extended by the
regulatory authority.
(3) Mobile food units closed by the regulatory authority shall not operate at any
location within the city limits of North Richland Hills until such time as a re -
inspection conducted by the regulatory authority determines that the conditions
responsible for the closure of the MFU no longer exist and any other violations
addressed by the regulatory authority have been resolved.
(c) Suspension of permit.
(1) The regulatory authority may, without notice or hearing, suspend any permit
authorized herein if the holder of this permit does not comply with the
requirements of the ordinance, or if the operation otherwise constitutes a
substantial hazard to the public health or safety. Suspension is effective upon
service of the notice as required in section 18-233. When a permit is
suspended, the holder of the permit, or the person in charge, shall be notified
in writing that the permit is, upon service of notice, immediately suspended and
that an opportunity for a hearing will be provided if a written request for a
hearing is filed with the city by the holder of the permit, within ten (10) days of
the issuance of the written notice by the City. The permit holder shall be
afforded a hearing within ten (10) days of the date on which the city is in receipt
of the written request for said hearing.
(2) If the permit holder or the person in charge of a MFU does not file a written
request for a hearing with the city within ten (10) days of the notice of
suspension, then the suspension is sustained. The city may end the
suspension at any time if the reason for suspension no longer exists.
(3) Whenever a mobile food unit permit is suspended under provisions of this
article, it shall not resume operations until such time as a reinspection by the
regulatory authority determines that conditions responsible for the suspension
of operations no longer exist and any other violations addressed by the
regulatory authority have been resolved. The opportunity for reinspection shall
be offered within a reasonable time during the hours of 8AM — 5PM, Monday
through Friday.
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 13 of 16
(d) Revocation of permit.
(1) The regulatory authority may, after providing opportunity for a hearing as
specified in subsection (c) of this section, revoke a permit for:
i. serious or repeated violations of the requirements of this article; o
ii. interference with the city's enforcement officer in the course of his or her
duties.
(2) The city shall notify the holder of the permit or person in charge, in writing, of
the reason for which the permit is subject to revocation and that the permit shall
be revoked at the end of the ten (10) days following service of such notice
unless a written request for a hearing is filed within the ten-day period.
(3) The permit holder shall be afforded a hearing within ten (10) days of the date
on which the city is in receipt of the written request for said hearing. If the
permit holder or the person in charge of a MFU does not file a written request
for a hearing with the city within ten (10) days of the notice of revocation, then
the revocation of the permit shall become final.
(4) Whenever a revocation of a permit has become final, the holder of the revoked
permit may make written application for a new permit after the expiration of one
year from the effective date of such revocation.
(e) It is a violation to operate a MFU during the period of suspension or revocation of
the MFU permit.
Section 18-293. - Termination.
This ordinance governing mobile food units shall expire on April 30, 2023, unless such
provisions are otherwise terminated earlier or extended by the North Richland Hills City
Council.
SECTION 2: Appendix A, Fee Schedule, Section 18-193, Mobile Food Unit permit fee
. shall be amended to be $250.00.
SECTION 3: Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or
refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the
provisions of this ordinance shall be fined not more than Five Hundred
Dollars ($500.00) for each offense. provided, however, that a penalty for
the violation of a rule, ordinance or police regulation that governs fire
safety, zoning, or public health and sanitation, including dumping of
refuse, shall be a fine not exceeding $2,000.00. Each day that a violation
is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 4: This Ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills, except where the provisions
of this Ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances
and such Code, the provisions in this Ordinance shall control.
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 14 of 16
SECTION 5: It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases,
clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this Ordinance are severable,
and, if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this Ordinance
shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court
of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the
remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this
Ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council
without the incorporation in this Ordinance of any such unconstitutional
phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 6: All rights and remedies of the City of North Richland Hills are expressly
saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of any ordinances in the
Code of Ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills that have accrued at
the time of the effective date of this Ordinance; and, as to such accrued
violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending
in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this
Ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 7: The City Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to cause the
publication of the descriptive caption and penalty of this ordinance two times
in the official City newspaper.
SECTION 8: This ordinance shall become effective May 1, 2021.
AND IT IS SO ORDAINED.
PASSED AND APPROVED on this 26th day of April, 2021.
CITY OF MORTHAICMLANDMILLS
M:
ATTEST:
By: LLU �
Alicia Richardson
City Secretary/Chi
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 15 of 16
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
I 'Avy�-
Maleshia B. McGinnis, City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
By:
Stef 'e Martinez
Director of Neighborhood Services
Ordinance No. 3689
Page 16 of 16
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
i Account #
Order Number
Identification
Order PO
Amount
Cols
epth D
19363
155418
1Print Legal Ad - IPL0021450
$95.72
1
531
Attention: Traci Henderson
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
PO BOX 820609
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX 761820609
-------=----------------------j.
CITY OF
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
ORDINANCE NO. 3689
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUN-
CIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICH -
LAND HILLS, TEXAS, AMENDING i
CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE IV OF THE
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS CODE OF i
ORDINANCES, FOOD AND FOOD ES-
TABLISHMENTS, ADDING DIVISION 6, I
MOBILE FOOD UNITS; AND AMEND-
ING APPENDIX A, FEE SCHEDULE;
PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING
THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE
CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES
AND REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PRO-
VISIONS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILI-
TY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PRO-
VIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND
PROVIDING A TERMINATION DATE. i
Any person, firm or corporation who
violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or
refuses to comply with or who resists
the enforcement of any of the provi-
sions of this ordinance shall be fined
not more than Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00) for each offense. provided,
however, that a penalty for the viola-
; tion of a rule, ordinance or police reg-
ulation that governs fire safety, zoning,
or public health and sanitation, includ-
ing dumping of refuse, shall be a fine
not exceeding $2,000.00. Each day
that a violation is permitted to exist
shall constitute a separate offense.
PASSED AND APPROVED on this 26th
day of April, 2021.
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
By: /s/ Oscar Trevino
Oscar Trevino, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Alicia Richardson
Alicia Richardson
City Secretary/Chief Governance
Officer
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LEGALITY:
/s/ Maleshia B. McGinnis
i Maleshia B. McGinnis, City Attorney
'IPL0021450
Apr 29-30 2021
FRIDAY APRIL 30 2021
CITY OF -
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
ORDINANCE NO.3669
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUN-
CIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICH -
LAND . HILLS, TEXAS, .AMENDING
CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE IV OF THE
NORTH RICHLAND, ,.HILLS CODE OF
ORDINANCES, MOD -AND FOOD ES-
TABLISIiMENTSt'ADDING. DIVISION 6,
MOBILE FOOD UNITS; AND AMEND-
ING APPENDIX A, .FEE:.SCHEDULE;
PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING
THAT THIS ORDINANCE' SHALL BE
cuMuLATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES
AND REPEAL" OF CONFLICTING PRO-
VISIONS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILI-
TY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDINCz A, PENALTY;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PRO-
VIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND
PROVIDING A TERMINATION DATE.
Any person, firm or corporation who
violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or
refuses to comply with or who resists
the enforcement of any.of the provi-
sions of this ordinance shall be fined
not more than Five 'Hundred Dollars
($500.00) for each,offense. provided,
however, that a penalty for the viola-
tion of a rule, ordinance or police reg-
ulation that governs fire safety, zoning,
or public health and sanitation, includ-
ing dumping of refuse, shall be a fine
not exceeding $2,000.00. Each day
that a violation is permitted to exist
shall constitute a separate offense.
PASSED AND APPROVED on this 26th
day of April, 2021.
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
By: /s/ Oscar Trevino
Oscar Trevino, Mayor
ATTEST:
/a/ Alicia Richardson
Alicia Richardson. -
City Secretary/Chief Governance
Officer
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LEGALITY: " '
/a/ Maleshia B. McGinnis
Maleshia B. McGinnis, City Attorney ..
IPL0021450
Apr 29-30 2021'
THE STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF TARRANT
Before me, a Notary Public in and for said County
and State, this day personally appeared Amanda
Grisham, Bid and Legal Coordinator for the Star -
Telegram, published by the Star -Telegram, Inc. at
Fort Worth, in Tarrant County, Texas; and who,
after being duly sworn, did depose and say that
the attached clipping of an advertisement was
published in the above named paper on the listed
dates:
No. of Insertions: 2
Beginning Issue of: 04/23/2021
Ending Issue of: 05/07/2021
t
Sworn to and subscribed b e ore met is 30t ay o
April in the year of 2021
Notary Public ink or the state of Texas, residing in
Dallas County
j,
Extra charge for lost or duplicate affidavits.
Legal document please do not destroy!