Council asks for report on 'ghost kitchens' and delivery congestion; motion passes unanimously

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a motion asking city departments to study how to manage traffic, idling and neighborhood impacts from so-called "ghost kitchens." The motion passed 13-0.

Councilmember So to Martinez, who introduced the motion, said ghost kitchens—commercial food-production sites that serve delivery apps and often draw sustained vehicle traffic—are appearing in neighborhoods not designed to handle high volumes of cars. "We're seeing ghost kitchens pop up in areas that were not built to handle dozens, and hundreds of vehicles coming in and out idling in neighborhoods, causing nuisances to neighborhoods, backing up traffic, and creating unsafe conditions for walking or for people walking or driving in the area," she said. The motion is a request for a report, not an immediate regulation: it asks staff to examine potential tools, including technology and buffer zones, and to consider whether some ghost kitchens are being misclassified under city codes (for example as catering businesses).

So to Martinez said the motion seeks to balance support for small businesses and drivers with neighborhood quality of life. "This is simply a report. We're asking for a report to look at how we can better manage a system that works for everyone — for restaurants, drivers, delivery companies, and most importantly, our residents," she said.

The council opened and closed the roll and the clerk announced the vote: 13 ayes. The motion does not create new restrictions today; it directs staff to return with recommendations.

Why it matters: the growth of delivery-only food facilities has raised resident complaints about congestion and noise in residential areas. The report requested by council will inform whether the city pursues regulatory or code changes and what mitigation tools might be used.