Board approves Sun Valley food‑truck nights; resident urges more local business investment

On June 4, 2026, the Washoe County Board of Adjustment approved administrative permit WADMIN26-0006 to allow the Sun Valley Food Trucks events at 5430 Sun Valley Boulevard on June 11, 18 and 25, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Planner Tim Evans told the board the proposal—reviewed under the county’s administrative-permit process—anticipates a maximum of 900 people and was reviewed by 15 agencies, with three agencies providing conditions included in Exhibit A of the staff report. Evans said total on-site parking is 156 spaces and that the applicant would provide a vendor list to Northern Nevada Public Health for review; he also said "there's going to be two deputies providing security services at each event." The staff report recommends approval with conditions.

Steve Schroeder, owner and founder of Reno Street Food, said the operation draws on his experience running other food‑truck events and that responses from vendors produced a lineup of "about 12 that will be there." Schroeder said the number of trucks can be adjusted depending on turnout.

During public comment, Veronica Cortez (who identified herself as a candidate for Assembly District 27 and a long-time local school lunch worker) urged the board to focus on Sun Valley's broader economic needs and raised concerns about fees for small businesses. Cortez stated: "they want to charge them $100 for application fee and 250 per event," and said residents face barriers accessing groceries, banks and transportation.

Kathy Julian moved to approve the administrative permit with conditions as listed in Exhibit A; Pat Caldwell seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

The permit includes conditions from agency reviewers; Northern Nevada Public Health will oversee vendor and food-safety requirements and the county advised the standard appeal timeline to the Board of County Commissioners.