Residents and small-business owners press Friendswood council to clarify special-events, food-truck rules

Dozens of Friendswood residents, business owners and students used the public-comment period at the Jan. 6 City Council meeting to urge the council to clarify and loosen rules that limit food trucks and other special events on private property, arguing the changes would help seasonal and small businesses and bring families downtown.

Speakers at the meeting described repeated confusion about what qualifies as a special event, inconsistent guidance from staff and delays in permit processing. "My request is for council to look at the current ordinance and to make revisions so that it is clear and direct so that the staff has the opportunity to encourage growth and success for small businesses," said Katie Chandler, co-owner of Friends with Scoop Shop.

The request gained broad support from other small-business owners and patrons. Gary Vandrewel, owner of Wayside Coffee…