Commission OKs mobile food unit at 130 West Woodard with conditions

The Denison Planning Commission on Jan. 14 recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a mobile food unit to operate at 130 West Woodard Street, the parking area adjacent to Driggs Liquor.

Staff recommended approval subject to three conditions: a parking plan showing spaces and a driving aisle where the mobile unit will be placed, proof that each mobile unit meets the county health department's disposal and permitting requirements under Chapter 15, Article 3, and compliance with building and fire codes.

The applicant, who identified himself as Jonathan, described site adjustments required by the fire marshal, including placing the truck at least 10 feet from the building and running power via a new meter rather than a generator. Jonathan said the business expects occasional events ("food truck Friday" type operations) rather than a full-time truck, and plans to provide customer seating in a fenced area west of the building.

Artist and nearby business owner John Zapata of 125 West Woodard said he opposes the mobile unit, arguing the block is historic and that the truck could conflict with weekend events at his gallery and limit curbside parking customers rely on.

Planning staff said there is adequate surrounding surface and on-street parking but requested a formal parking plan to document the layout; commissioners and the applicant discussed power access and truck siting. The Historic Preservation Board and staff have been involved regarding compatibility with the overlay district.

Commissioners voted to recommend approval with the three conditions noted. The permit will go to Denison City Council for final approval and staff will verify the parking plan and health/fire-code compliance before issuing any permits.