Commission to consider whether Lakewood should allow permanent food-truck centers

City staff told the Planning Commission on Sept. 3 they have received inquiries about permanent food-truck locations and asked whether the city should study permitting a food-truck center or pads as part of the 2026 amendment cycle. Andrea Bell, senior planner, said Lakewood currently treats mobile food vendors as temporary: food trucks can occupy a location for up to one day but are not permitted to remain overnight in one place. Bell said some property owners have asked about creating permanent or overnight locations where multiple trucks could operate together. If the commission wants staff to pursue the topic, Bell said staff would return next spring with options for where and how the city might permit permanent food-truck pads or a clustered food-truck center. If the commission does not want to add the item to the docket, current rules would remain unchanged. Commissioners did not take a vote on Sept. 3; staff asked for direction and said it will move the topic forward only if the commission and later the council request analysis.