The Planning Commission voted Nov. 20 to recommend a narrowly drawn amendment that would allow accessory food trucks on sites that already contain an active restaurant, subject to conditions intended to limit competition and preserve circulation and neighborhood character.

Diana Wheeler presented RZ2511, which defines an accessory food truck as a self‑contained mobile restaurant without seating located on the same property as an active brick‑and‑mortar restaurant with a current occupation tax certificate. Key provisions proposed: the food truck must operate with the restaurant’s permission, it must not require additional parking or block site access, it cannot be within 50 feet of a residential dwelling without permission, and it would be limited to one sandwich‑board sign; hours of operation were proposed as 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Health department and city business licensing would be required.

Commissioners discussed potential issues — generator noise, grease and waste disposal, how a sponsor restaurant’s decision would interact with neighboring businesses, and whether exceptions or additional noise/waste rules were needed. Staff said standard health and city licensing requirements would address grease and waste disposal; site circulation and parking rules would prevent trucks from obstructing aisles; and sponsor permission was required for trucks that could otherwise obstruct a primary business entrance.

After questions, Commissioner James moved and Commissioner McNese seconded a motion to recommend RZ2511 as proposed; the commission voted to forward the amendment to City Council.

What’s next: Staff will transmit the recommendation and proposed regulatory language to City Council; the ordinance will be limited in scope to accessory food trucks operating with an on‑site restaurant sponsor and subject to licensing, hours, and site‑circulation rules.