Commission backs Supervisor Wiener's ordinance to allow food trucks on college and medical campuses with notification clarifications

Supervisor Wiener and Planning Department staff presented an ordinance to the Planning Commission on April 19, 2012 to amend Planning Code Section 205.4 and allow intermittent uses such as mobile food trucks and farmers markets on hospital and college properties that are not zoned commercial.

Supervisor Wiener said the change would remove a zoning technicality that prevents food trucks from operating on large institutional campuses that are not zoned commercial and emphasized economic opportunity for entrepreneurs and immigrant owners as well as the city's vibrant food-truck culture. "Our food truck scene is really a key part of food diversity in San Francisco," he said.

Planning staff recommended approval with narrow modifications to clarify notification requirements: if a mobile food facility is located within RH/RM/RED/RTO districts, within 50 feet of residential parcels, or exceeds 300 square feet, then the 3.12 notice procedure should apply. The Commission discussed clustering concerns in high-demand downtown areas and possible side effects of restrictive siting rules elsewhere, and commissioners praised the Small Business Commission's support.

Commissioner Anthony moved approval with modifications; the motion passed unanimously. Commissioners asked staff and the sponsor to monitor concentrations and to coordinate with public works and other code amendments addressing spacing near schools and other sensitive sites.