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Cameron Parish to consider lifting cap on food‑truck permits after vendors complain
Summary
Vendors and residents told the Cameron Parish Police Jury that the current limit on food‑truck permits (commonly enforced at five) is insufficient for increasing demand; the jury agreed to add consideration of removing the limit to the February agenda, subject to ordinance change procedures and LDH (health) requirements.
Food‑truck operators and residents urged the Cameron Parish Police Jury on Jan. 12 to revisit a local ordinance that limits the number of food‑truck permits in the village of Cameron.
Multiple speakers told jurors the current limit—long enforced by a previous administration—fails to meet visitor demand, especially during peak events and with growth tied to nearby industrial activity. One vendor, identified in the record as Don Salazar of Nolo Tacos, asked permission to operate two small trucks or to replace his small truck with a larger vehicle to speed service; staff said such flexibility depends on the ordinance wording and state/local health approvals.
Staff and jurors explained the limit is part of a longstanding ordinance put in place to protect residential businesses from being swamped by outsiders. Jurors and staff said the number can be changed by the jury: repeal, increase or remove the cap would require drafting an ordinance, legal vetting, public notice and a public hearing. The jury voted to add consideration of removing the limit to the February agenda; any change would follow the formal ordinance‑change process and would likely not be effective until March at the earliest.
Officials noted that catering arrangements for industrial employers do not require a food‑truck permit but do require occupational licensing and LDH (Louisiana Department of Health) approvals. Staff also said health and commissary requirements and self‑reporting would remain part of the compliance process.
What happens next: The jury will place the matter on the February agenda for consideration of whether to remove or modify the permit cap; any ordinance change will require public notice, a hearing and an effective date after the required process.
