Essex DRB approves up-to-three food trucks at 1 David Drive with standard permitting

The Essex Development Review Board voted unanimously June 4 to approve a site-plan amendment and conditional use permit that would allow up to three food trucks to operate in the parking lot at 1 David Drive.

Staff said the property — the former Pizza Hut/Barnyard building — has adequate parking and fits the town plan’s goals for activating a vacant lot. Danielle Butler, representing Roxar Real Estate, told the board the trucks would bring foot traffic for nearby apartment residents and that the owner is seeking a flexible, site-level approval rather than approvals tied to specific vendors.

Board members probed several operational details: whether trucks could exceed the space shown on the site plan, sanitation and hot-water requirements, and whether vendors would rely on building power or their own generators. "A lot of them already have their own kind of procedures and policies," Butler said, adding that trucks would need state health approval and that the town’s zoning administrator inspects for compliance.

Staff noted that the state’s food-service regulations require onboard water, hand-sanitizing, and certified kitchens for food prep when applicable; the town will require that vendors demonstrate compliance before opening. Members also discussed seasonality and whether permits should limit how long a single vendor can occupy a space; staff explained seasonal zoning permits are issued and can be conditioned.

After deliberation the board approved the application as presented. Chair (Ian Carroll) moved approval and Sharon Zabeski seconded; the motion carried 5–0. The board did not place additional town-level limits on the use, leaving vendor oversight to the permitting and inspection process.

The board’s decision will be formalized in written findings; staff will notify the applicant of any administrative conditions required for final permit issuance.