Planning commission continues mobile‑vending hearing after debate over downtown cap, two‑step permits

The Independence Planning Commission continued a public hearing on proposed revisions to the city's mobile‑vending standards after lengthy discussion about a possible downtown cap, infrastructure requirements and who would be responsible for grease traps and restrooms. Fred, the city planner, told commissioners the draft separates approval of a prepared site from the permit that lets a vendor locate on that site, and recommends different standards for single vendors versus multi‑vendor 'pods. Why it matters: the proposed changes aim to make permitting clearer for property owners and vendors, to require adequate wastewater and restroom arrangements for pods, and to give the city a clearer basis for site management. The issues have drawn public comment from downtown business owners who said too many food trucks…