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Commission approves food‑truck use and utility variance for Ray Dub Soul Food
Summary
Planning commissioners approved a conditional-use permit and a variance to allow a food truck (Ray Dub Soul Food) to operate at a commercial site using an adjacent facility’s electrical connection; the commission recorded unanimous approval and will forward a resolution to city council.
Springdale planning commissioners approved a conditional-use permit and a utility-variance request Sept. 2 to allow Ray Dub Soul Food to operate a food truck at a commercial lot on a temporary/permanent basis.The applicants, Raymond and Crystal Washington, requested a use-unit 44 permit for mobile vending in a C-2 zone and a variance to allow the food truck to connect to electrical power from the nearby Northwest Athletic Center rather than installing separate buried service. "There's lighting on the outside of the truck. Yes. That's part of its charm," Crystal Washington said when staff asked about lighting. Why it matters: The approval lets an existing, familiar food-truck operator establish a more regular presence at this location. Planning staff said the site meets ingress/egress and parking requirements, and noted the truck will provide about a 7-by-15 footprint and that refuse and service areas are acceptable. The applicants said they have an agreement with the athletic center’s management to use the electrical plug. Formal action and next steps: The commission voted to grant the utility variance and to approve the use-unit 44 conditional use; both motions passed by recorded vote. Staff will prepare a resolution forwarding the conditional-use action to the Sept. 23 city council meeting. The planning staff indicated the applicants had operated temporarily at the same location and that commissioners heard no public opposition. Details: Staff advised that commercial sites may use up to 50% off‑site parking and that the applicants had provided a parking agreement with the adjacent commercial property. The planning packet recorded the truck dimensions and noted existing small exterior lighting; commissioners confirmed the applicants’ permission to use the athletic center’s electrical outlet. Context: The planning commission’s action was unanimous and procedural; the applicants were told staff will prepare a resolution to send to city council on Sept. 23.
