Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Food Truck Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Los Banos council introduces ordinance to allow tables, canopies and formal food-truck parks
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance 1209 after a public hearing and stakeholder outreach; the amendment permits limited temporary furniture for vendors and establishes a conditional-use pathway for food-truck parks in commercial and industrial zones.
The Los Banos City Council on Sept. 3 held a public hearing and introduced Ordinance 1209 to amend the city’s mobile food vendor rules, allowing temporary seating and canopies at permitted vending sites and creating a process for formal food-truck parks.
Staff said the changes respond to vendor feedback gathered at a May stakeholder meeting and to a Planning Commission recommendation on Aug. 13. The ordinance amendment would allow up to two temporary canopies or shade sails (each not exceeding 120 square feet) and up to three tables providing seating for up to 12 people, provided temporary furniture is removed at the end of each business day. Frame signs are permitted under existing sign rules; framed signs must be put away daily. Staff explained that temporary furnishings must be in good condition and subject to site-plan review by the community and economic development director for safety, ADA access and circulation.
The amendment also defines "all-weather surface" for food-truck parks — acceptable materials include asphalt, concrete or engineered surfacing approved by the city engineer; untreated soil or decomposed granite would not qualify unless treated to prevent dust and rutting. Food-truck parks would be allowed in commercial and industrial zones by conditional-use permit, require business licenses and health permits for each vendor, and must demonstrate adequate parking and ADA accessibility. Special events such as the city farmers market are carved out as exemptions in the code.
During the public hearing, several food-truck operators and vendors, including an identified owner at 402 Washington Ave. and other local vendors, spoke in favor, citing improved access for customers and accommodation for people with disabilities. Council members praised staff outreach and stakeholder input.
The council voted to waive the first reading and to introduce Ordinance 1209. The introduction passed on the roll call recorded during the meeting with affirmative votes recorded for Sanders, Chavez and Lewis; the ordinance requires a second reading at a future meeting for final adoption. Staff said additional site-plan review and conditional-use procedures will apply to any proposed truck park.
