Mayor Johnson signs legislation implementing new rules for food trucks in city of Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Food trucks, a common staple around the city of Milwaukee, are getting a new set of rules. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed legislation Wednesday, June 14, to ensure food trucks are safe and enjoyable for everyone.

It's been a heated battle between some food truck operators and the city for months.

Wednesday, the city hopes to replace what they call a patchwork of rules and regulations for food trucks with uniform citywide ordinance.

It was a day of celebration in Red Arrow Park, with dozens of food trucks lining Water Street. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed a new, multi-part food truck ordinance, put in place to create law and order for the way food trucks conduct their business. 

"It builds a stronger, it builds a safer, it builds a healthier food truck environment in Milwaukee."

Mayor Johnson was joined by Alderwoman Jocasta Zamarripa and Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, both who championed the new food truck deal.

"We didn't just want to keep implementing bans all over," said Ald. Brostoff. "We wanted to have other tools that would allow the good operators to operate while correcting the behaviors of those who are not operating in good faith."

The big change will be the creation of two new designated food truck zones. 

Zone 1 is in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, along Westown and the Third Ward. 

Under the ordinance, trucks operating in Zone 1 cannot operate between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Zone 2 primarily limits how many trucks can be parked on a busy stretch along W. Burnham Street on the city's south side. 

"Today is a good thing, that we have this kind of legislation," said Abdallah Ismail, Fatty Patty Burgers Trucks and Restaurant owner. "It will control more of the area, honestly, than before."

It's not just time and location food truck operators must now consider. 

They can also face fines ranging from $5-$500 if they're deemed to be a nuisance. 

The new citywide ordinance goes into effect immediately.