Council advances local rules for food trucks to align with new state licensing law

The Stillwater City Council on June 15 moved to update local rules for mobile food vendors to conform with a recently enacted state law described by staff as the "food truck freedom act." The council advanced two related ordinances (3613 and 3614) to second reading with a unanimous 4–0 vote.

City Attorney staff told the council that the state law establishes a streamlined, statewide licensing system and that the new city code changes remove conflicting local provisions while allowing Stillwater to require a local annual license and charge fees for operation inside city limits. "The new state law does leave some authority for cities to require a local license fee and regulate operation on public property, including city-owned parks," the City Attorney said during the presentation.

Under the proposed local code, mobile food vendors would obtain a state license — including state inspections and compliance with applicable fire and safety requirements — and also complete a local city licensing step. Staff said the city-level license would remain an annual process to confirm local requirements such as proof of sales-tax registration and local compliance. City staff gave examples of quantities and process logistics and said an online application will be available once the code changes take effect.

The draft operations section names specific parks where mobile vendors may operate without an additional park permit: Boomer Lake Park, Southern Woods Park and Couch Park. The city will also establish a park-specific mobile food vendor park license for Block 34 Park with an online application described in staff materials. Staff clarified that the requirements do not override separate special-event permits, which will govern food vendors at events that already have an approved special-event license.

Councilors asked procedural and enforcement questions about one-off vendors coming to town for an event and the license process. Staff said the state license involves annual inspections and that local licensing will ensure vendors are registered for city sales tax and collect and remit it on their sales. The council advanced the ordinances to second reading; both items were advanced 4–0 to a second reading and will return for final consideration.

The council’s action advances the city’s effort to harmonize local rules with the statewide licensing system while retaining limited local oversight over where and how vendors operate.