The Planning Commission on Sept. 16 recommended approval of a UDO text amendment that would allow food trucks to operate in residential districts when the activity is part of a permitted special event. The commission voted 8–0 to forward the change to City Council.

Bill Mellon, zoning administrator, said City Council had asked staff to consider allowing food trucks in residential areas when associated with community events. He explained staff’s proposal would amend UDO section 31-7-17 to add an exception so that food trucks “shall only be permitted … unless a special events permit is obtained,” and would remove the separate restriction that previously prohibited food trucks within 150 feet of a residential district.

Commissioners asked whether private homeowner-association events would require a permit. Kevin Wynne, planning staff, said the key question is whether the event is open to the general public; if so, the special-event permit process is appropriate. He added that Parks and Recreation handles the special-event permits and that safety and fire concerns are part of the review: “a special event permit would still hold true.”

Action: Planning Commission recommended the text amendment OTA2025-007 to City Council, 8–0. The item goes to council on Oct. 15.

Ending: The change allows more flexibility for community gatherings in residential areas while keeping timing, location and safety controls in the special-event permitting process.