Planning staff told the committee Aug. 19 that food trucks are allowed downtown only under limited circumstances and that changes to code or pilots could expand their presence.

Senior planners said food trucks may operate on private sites only after development review and specific permitting (a handful of downtown sites, such as 68 Haywood, have been permitted historically). Food trucks are permitted during permitted outdoor special events but — unlike other city districts — food trucks are generally not allowed on private property in parts of the downtown core unless a special permit or development review approves them. City staff also noted that freestanding gasoline generators are prohibited in the core fire district, which covers much of downtown, making electrical hookups or inverter generators necessary for some vendors.

Staff reported an ongoing survey of mobile food vendors to gauge interest and needs: early responses showed lunch and dinner hours as the most requested times, but a notable percentage of vendors sought access to electricity, restrooms, trash disposal and water; staff also reported about 60% of respondents identified as MWBE vendors. Staff recommended a mix of approaches: a short series of pilot events (particularly late-night pilots tied to large civic events), targeted infrastructure investments such as electrical hook-ups in priority zones (Pack Square and other locations were mentioned), and coordination with the Business Inclusion Office for vendor outreach and equity goals.

Council members asked that late-night vending be prioritized because it would serve concert and event crowds without directly competing with daytime restaurants, and some members suggested pairing pilots with large civic events to ensure foot traffic. Committee members also asked staff to report back on the vendor survey results and any pilot proposals.

The committee did not change code at the Aug. 19 meeting. Staff said they will return with survey results, pilot recommendations and cost estimates for electrical and other infrastructure upgrades to support vending in targeted downtown areas.