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Supervisors introduce local measures on food trucks and oppose state bill that would restrict school proximity
Summary
Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced a resolution opposing Assembly Bill 1678 and proposed local changes to reduce the school‑proximity buffer for food trucks from 1,500 feet to one city block and to reform small accept-and-expend grants under $100,000.
Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced two measures aimed at protecting San Francisco’s food-truck scene and adjusting local rules that currently limit where mobile food vendors may operate.
Wiener said he is introducing a resolution to put the city on record opposing Assembly Bill 1678, state legislation that would prevent food trucks from operating within 1,500 feet (about three city blocks) of any public or private elementary, middle or high school. Wiener said the map he and staff produced shows that a large portion of San Francisco would be off-limits under the proposed state rule, concentrating trucks in a small portion of the city and taking away local control.
Wiener also introduced local legislation to amend the San Francisco ordinance so the school‑proximity restriction would be reduced from 1,500 feet to 1 city block (approximately 500 feet) and to seek an opt-out for localities if AB 1678 becomes law.
In the same presentation Wiener proposed administrative changes to the city's handling of "accept and expend" approvals under $100,000. He noted the current practice creates significant paperwork: departments frequently come to the board retroactively for small amounts (often $500–$50,000), and Wiener proposed shifting routine approvals below $100,000 to department heads with controller-issued rules to maintain transparency and uniformity.
Why it matters: Wiener framed the issue as balancing support for school‑based lunch programs and avoiding overconcentration of food trucks in certain neighborhoods. He said the state bill is a “one size fits all” suburban solution that would not work in dense, urban San Francisco and would remove local decision-making authority.
Next steps: Wiener said he will circulate the proposed language and work with stakeholders; the resolution opposing the state bill and the local ordinance amendments were introduced and will move through the city's legislative process.
Ending: Wiener said the measures aim to preserve food diversity, small-business entrepreneurship and local control while protecting schools’ interests.
