DDA urges limited, designated food‑truck areas; planning staff to draft ordinance

Charles Sampson, chair of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and owner of Whiskey Taco Foxtrot, told the commission the DDA generally supports food trucks that complement — not compete with — established downtown businesses and recommended designated areas and hours.

"Our board supports the operations of food trucks, that are complimentary to our established businesses," Sampson said, urging designated spaces near the DDA boundary, time limits for operations, and requirements that vendors manage trash and grease themselves. He suggested locations such as near the library or the historical museum as potential mini cultural districts where a food truck could draw foot traffic to downtown Clawson.

Commissioners pressed on details: whether allowances should include in‑DDA locations (Sampson said usually only for special events), how to define vendor "intent" to open a brick‑and‑mortar store, and whether a permit regime could limit the number of days per property per year. Staff and commissioners noted the current ZBA process requires a 15‑day public notice for approvals, which makes one‑day pop‑ups impractical under the existing procedure.

Staff concluded there was enough direction to draft ordinance language that could allow limited, tightly defined food‑truck activity, potentially including pilot events or monthly food‑truck days. Commissioners agreed no motion to set a hearing would be made tonight; staff will return with proposed language for formal consideration.