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Council debates food-truck permits and distance limits after vendor parked near Taco John's
Summary
Council discussed whether to require permits and distance restrictions for food trucks after a recent incident in which a vendor parked close to Taco John's; members split over protecting brick-and-mortar businesses versus not over-burdening mobile vendors and asked staff to research ordinances used by nearby cities.
Council discussed potential changes to the city’s approach to food trucks after a recent incident in which a food truck set up near a Taco John's, prompting a complaint from the restaurant manager.
Council members described two competing priorities: protecting existing brick-and-mortar businesses from immediate competition parked a short distance from their doors and setting reasonable rules that do not unduly burden mobile vendors. One council member described the restaurant manager as "not very happy," saying the manager emphasized that local payroll and community spending come from employees of established businesses.
Several council members supported creating a permit requirement and the ability to set minimum distances between food trucks and restaurants on public property; others warned that heavy permitting could make it difficult for small or visiting vendors and suggested limiting the number of visits or using time-based restrictions as alternatives. Council suggested staff gather sample ordinances from nearby cities (an example discussed previously was AleC) and involve the planning commission if the changes implicate zoning or permanent setbacks.
The chair asked city manager Becca to review sample permit language and report back with options for council consideration. No ordinance or resolution was adopted Sept. 10.
