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Suffolk council amends UDO to allow food trucks in residential areas with special-event permits
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to allow food trucks to operate in residential zoning districts when associated with approved special-event permits; the change removes a 150-foot prohibition and clarifies temporary vs. permanent uses.
Suffolk City Council on a unanimous 8-0 vote approved an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance that allows food trucks to operate in residential zoning districts when associated with approved special-event permits.
The ordinance (OTA 2025-7) removes a provision that had barred food trucks from locating within 150 feet of a residential zoning district and adds language clarifying that food trucks may be permitted in residential areas through the city's special-event permit process, which is administered by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Kevin Wine, director of planning and community development, told council the change responds to requests from neighborhoods and homeowners associations seeking to host food trucks at community events. He said the amendment preserves the rule that permanent, non‑temporary food service uses must meet the zoning and permitting requirements for the property where they operate.
"In order to operate within a residential district, you would still need that special-event permit," Wine said. He added that permanent restaurant operations require permanent water, sewer, restrooms and other infrastructure and would be handled through business licensing and zoning clearance rather than the temporary‑use text amendment.
Council member Wright, who moved approval, said the amendment would remove barriers that had prevented neighborhood events such as "Food Truck Fridays." Council member Johnson seconded the motion; the clerk recorded a vote of 8 to 0 in favor.
The planning commission had recommended unanimous approval (8-0) at its September meeting.
City staff and council members noted the change relates only to temporary/event uses; permanent placement of food trucks would require the same zoning and building, health and utility approvals as any restaurant.
Council did not receive public speakers during the public hearing on this item.
The ordinance will take effect as provided in the city's adoption procedures. The city will continue to enforce existing health and building code requirements for any food service activity.
