It's all but a done deal to free Hamilton's food trucks, as a new bylaw will allow them to scour more city streets than ever before.

"We're really pleased with the way that it went this time," said Greame Smith, owner of the Gorilla Cheese food truck. "I think a lot of councillors are now more comfortable having done some research and having heard both sides of the argument."

The proposed bylaw got unanimous support from the city's planning committee Tuesday . It will allow food trucks to park and serve customers 30 metres from brick and mortar restaurants.

"I'm going to reserve my celebration until next week when it gets the vote at city council, because we have gone through this before," Smith said, referring to an earlier version of the bylaw that was sent back to committee in May.

"I think this is a compromise that the restaurants and the food trucks can live with," he said.

An old bylaw kept food trucks 100 metres away from restaurants.

Under the proposal going to council next week, food trucks will have to stay 100 metres away from parks, hospitals and schools.

The 30 metre distance seemed to satisfy councillors who were concerned the food trucks would take business away from restuarants that operate in their wards. The original bylaw ammendment would have had a 20 metre distance.

"I could be supportive of what's in front of us if the preference is 30 metres instead of 20 metres," said Judi Partridge, councillor for Ward 15. "I thank all the food truck folks who have been working hard and making their case."

After the committee vote Smith told CBC Hamilton: "To be honest, it was unfortunate that this became a battle between restaurants and food trucks because ultimately, we're all part of the same food culture.".

Matt Kershaw, owner of Rapscallion Rogue Eatery, told the committee:

"I want food trucks, I'm excited about this. I'd want one parked outside my restaurant if I could."

"As a restaurateur, I have no fear of these trucks," he said. "I've got alcohol, I've got air conditioning, I've got washrooms. These are things they just can't provide."