Aldermen adopt food-truck rules with two-year grandfathering for existing operators

The Board of Aldermen on Sept. 2 approved an updated ordinance regulating food trucks on private property and added an amendment to limit grandfathering for current stationary vendors to two years. The ordinance, originally introduced as amended Bill 5,286, enacts a definition for food trucks, adds a new chapter (402) regulating operations on private property and creates a specific exemption for two existing trucks that will expire two years after the ordinance’s passage. The ordinance passed by roll call vote 5-0 and became Ordinance 3,457. Why it matters: The change aims to prevent new permanent, stationary food-truck operations that the city did not previously allow, while giving current operators a temporary transition period. Key points: Alderman Hovind proposed limiting the grandfathering exemption to two years. “I would propose putting a limit on that if possible to two years,” Hovind said during debate. Alderman Stewart and others discussed implementing the two-year phase-out so current operators could have a transition while the city enforces code and permitting. The board also amended the draft to clarify exemptions for ice cream trucks by specifying “City of Pacific licensing” and replaced several references to “city staff” with “city clerk or the city clerk’s designee” to identify who issues permits. Process and next steps: The ordinance requires stationary food trucks to follow the new licensing and permitting path after the two-year grandfathering period ends; replacements or cessation of operations can terminate the exemption earlier, per the ordinance language. Planning and zoning review and any stationary-permit procedures will apply to applicants once the grandfathering period ends. Quotations and attribution: “I don't wanna close a business,” Alderman Hovind said while urging a time-limited exemption. Attorney and staff clarifications on the ordinance language appeared in an updated packet during the meeting; aldermen amended the ordinance on the floor before passage. What to watch: The city clerk’s office will administer the permits and any future changes will return to the board. The planning and zoning commission may see stationary-permit applications once exemptions expire or if new applicants apply. Ending: The ordinance is now in force as Ordinance 3,457; staff and aldermen said they will monitor compliance and enforcement under existing codes and licensing processes.