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Willows adopts temporary moratorium on new mobile food‑truck applications, 3–2
Summary
After a public hearing and extended council discussion about zoning, health permits and business impacts, the council adopted an ordinance imposing a roughly 12‑month moratorium on new mobile food‑truck applications while the municipal code is updated.
The Willows City Council voted 3–2 to adopt an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on new mobile food‑truck applications during the municipal code update period.
City Manager Marty Brown summarized the staff recommendation and told council the moratorium would last roughly 12 months and would not affect currently permitted food trucks. Councilmember Bridal, who introduced the topic, said the pause is intended to allow the city to develop “a clear and balanced regulatory framework to guide the food truck industry in a way that supports economic development, ensures public safety, respects neighborhood integrity, and complements our existing brick and mortar restaurants.” Bridal listed issues for the review: zoning, health and safety coordination with County of Glenn environmental health, parking, noise and sales‑tax reporting.
Opposition and rationale
Councilmember Mary Hansen spoke against a moratorium, saying it sends a “wrong message” to businesses and that unlawful, unpermitted food trucks would not be deterred by a moratorium. Hansen said the municipal code update is already underway and that code changes are a normal, ongoing process.
Councilmember Thomas said he was “swaying” toward approving the moratorium to prevent new entrants that might compete with licensed local restaurants while the city completes code work.
Council action
After public hearing procedure (no members of the public registered to speak), Councilmember Prade moved to adopt the ordinance by title only and waive a second reading; the motion received a second and passed on roll call 3–2 (Councilmember Buzbee: Aye; Councilmember Hansen: Nay; Councilmember Prade: Aye; Vice Mayor Thomas: Aye; Mayor Hudson: Nay). The ordinance applies only to new applications and expressly preserves existing, permitted operations.
Ending
Council directed staff to work with environmental‑health partners and return with a draft of code amendments and zoning guidance during the municipal code update process.
