Resident asks council to restrict food trucks operating from residential properties

Chris Sells, a resident at 101 Colonel Richard Rankin Street, told the Town Council on March 2 that a food truck has been operating from a residence at 900 Highway 27 South every weekend since Valentine’s Day and "hasn't moved in three weeks." He said the town’s current zoning ordinance appears to permit food trucks from residential properties and argued that allowing front-yard operation for a $10 application fee is "problematic," raising concerns about health-department compliance, expired permits, stop-work-order issues, and commercial trash handling.

Planning Director Sarah Penley told the council the existing ordinance predates her tenure and staff can only enforce what is on the books; she directed health-department compliance questions to the Gaston County Health Department. Town Manager Steven Denton acknowledged a staff site visit and committed to working with planning staff and the town attorney to develop recommendations, including possible zoning text amendments or a landing page/directory for legitimate local businesses.

Council Member Corey Kelly said the issue merited consideration and expressed interest in restricting food trucks specifically in residential areas while avoiding undue restrictions on legitimate commercial vehicles. No formal action or ordinance change occurred at the meeting; Manager Denton said staff will return with legal guidance and options for council consideration.