Chapel Hill now stands alone in the county in its strict regulation of food trucks.
The Hillsborough Town Board unanimously passed an ordinance allowing food trucks at a Monday meeting after an unattended public hearing.
And Chapel Hill could follow suit as early as Monday when the Chapel Hill Town Council votes on a similar ordinance.
“I think if we don’t pass it, we will stand out like a sore thumb,” said council member Penny Rich.
The proposed ordinance, which would loosen restrictions on the use of food trucks, has sparked heated debate among members of the Chapel Hill community for months.
Chapel Hill looked at Carrboro for guidance when drafting its own ordinance.
In Carrboro food trucks must operate from lots with an existing non-residential building and have plumbing and electrical connections in accordance with the state building code.
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Ward said the council has had concerns about the health and safety standards of food trucks and the possible competition with brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Though most issues have been clarified, Ward said he worries the town will not see tax revenue generated by the trucks.