Commission studies new rules for mobile food vendors on private property; merchants cite fairness and hygiene concerns

Planning staff presented the city’s recently adopted zoning provisions for mobile food vendors on private property during a study session on April 16. The rules — adopted as part of the updated zoning code — allow mobile food vendors to operate on commercial, mixed‑use, office and industrial sites subject to operational standards and a three‑tiered permitting approach: no permit if operating less than two hours at a private site; an administrative zoning clearance (over‑the‑counter) if operating more than two but less than four hours (fee: $590); and a minor use permit if operating more than four hours on a single site or operating within 100 feet of residential…