City of Houghton Passes Food Truck Ordinance

Food trucks have been spotted in the Copper Country in recent years, and are welcomed at various community events during the year. As the industry has established regular vendors in the area, Houghton has taken the time to set official rules and regulations for food trucks. In addition establishing regulations and mapping out areas food truck can operate, the city council approved an event service fee schedule for food truck vendors to purchase a license with the city. Vendors will still need to comply with local health department regulations and provide proof of compliance, along with proof of insurance to gain a operational license with the city.

The city council approved establishing a social district in Houghton. The social district would be located primarily north of Montezuma avenue, between the chamber building and the lift bridge. City Manager Eric Waara will work with City Police Chief John Donnelly on developing rules for the district to present to the council in the coming weeks. In relation to the social district the city council approved traffic changes for Pewabic Street and Huron Street. The changes will not occur until after Bridgefest. The changes will prevent drivers from using downtown side roads to loop around and avoid the lift bridge’s rush hour back-ups. Traffic changes on Pewabic and Huron streets will additionally prevent pedestrian and automobile accidents.

Last the city approved the 2023-23 operational budget, and the capital improvement program for 2023 to 2028.