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Council reviews proposal to allow accessory food trucks in limited cases
Summary
Staff proposed RZ2511 to permit 'accessory food trucks' located on the property of existing restaurants with administrative permits, hours, a single sandwich board sign, and health and licensing requirements; councilors asked about parking, emissions and alcohol service rules before the item returns in January.
Diana Wheeler, interim community development director, presented a proposed text amendment (RZ2511) to allow accessory food trucks on properties that already host a brick‑and‑mortar restaurant.
Under the draft language, an accessory food truck is a self‑contained mobile restaurant without seating that operates on the same property as an active restaurant that consents to the use. Wheeler said trucks would need an administrative permit, business license, health department approvals, and would be allowed to operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily; no additional parking requirement would be imposed even if up to three parking spaces were used by the truck.
"So the restaurant that exists would have to be OK with the accessory use on their property," Wheeler said, noting the planning commission recommended additional criteria for emissions and waste handling. Council members pressed staff on parking impacts (Wheeler said trucks could occupy up to three spaces without requiring additional parking) and whether alcohol service from a truck would be allowed (Wheeler said trucks would follow the same rules as restaurants and pursue any necessary licensing).
The proposal is aimed at promoting economic activity — particularly in the Crabapple commercial area — while limiting competition with standalone mobile vendors by tethering the accessory truck to an existing restaurant and permitting the use administratively.
Councilors asked staff to refine operational details and enforcement language before the amendment returns to council for formal consideration in January.
