A proposed ordinance to define and regulate food trucks in the City of Pacific drew extended discussion from aldermen on July 15, with questions on grandfathering, alcohol sales during events, a proposed 150-foot setback from brick-and-mortar restaurants and multiple permit requirements.

Bill 5286 — read into the record at the meeting — would add a definition for "food truck" in section 400.40 of the City Pacific Municipal Code and add a new Chapter 402 establishing operating regulations for mobile vendors on private property.

Supporters of clearer regulation said the ordinance is intended to provide a framework for daily-operating food trucks, not only for special events. But aldermen and staff flagged several unclear or contradictory provisions in the draft, including whether two semi-permanent food trucks already operating in town would be grandfathered and how the ordinance treats sales of alcoholic beverages.

"If it's meant to be excluded during festivals where liquor licenses are issued, make sure that's in writing," Alderman Kelly said during the discussion, noting the draft states "no alcoholic beverages may be sold from a food truck." City staff responded that the ordinance intends to bar routine day-to-day alcohol sales from mobile vendors while allowing licensed festival or event activity handled through separate liquor permits.

Aldermen also questioned a clause that would prohibit food trucks within 150 feet of a brick-and-mortar business, and noted that the same draft appears to allow trucks at Pacific Plaza adjacent to Brewhouse — a potential contradiction. "It seems like you're protecting the restaurants from competition, but the map and the text don't line up," one alderman said.

Other concerns raised included:
- Whether food trucks operating on private property would require a notarized property-owner consent; several aldermen called that an unnecessary hoop if a private landowner already gives permission.
- Permit frequency and cost: members noted other towns' examples where vendors can pay $25 per event or $100 per year and urged reconsideration of a regime that would force frequent repeat filings.
- Administrative versus board approval: the draft sets up administrative approval if staff determine a proposed use complies with the ordinance, with an appeal to the Board of Aldermen if applicants or staff dispute staff denial. Attorney Carr confirmed the board retains final authority on interpretation and administration.

Engineer Garondo and staff said there is currently at least one food truck operating with a business license and occupancy permit; they urged care so existing operations are not unintentionally eliminated by new rules. Several aldermen also asked for a defined map of prohibited zones and a clarified definition of temporary and commercial-use permits mentioned in the draft.

Mayor Filling closed the discussion by asking aldermen to email specific suggested changes to staffer Wilson and to copy City Clerk Barfield and Attorney Carr. Staff will produce a redlined version for the next meeting so the board can consider targeted amendments.

No final vote on Bill 5286 was taken on July 15; the matter remains a draft pending a revised ordinance.

What comes next: Aldermen must submit detailed edit requests to staff. City staff will prepare a redlined ordinance for the next agenda reflecting requested clarifications and map detail.