Palm Coast Embraces Food Trucks with New Ordinance

Palm Coast's culinary landscape is set to transform as the City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance allowing food trucks to operate beyond special events.

 

Previously, food trucks were restricted to city-sanctioned events, limiting their presence in the community.

 

The revised ordinance permits these mobile eateries to set up in commercial plazas and on private properties, provided they have the property owner's consent.

 

Local entrepreneur Sheila Hines, owner of Sweet Sheila’s Funnel Cakes, expressed her support, stating, "I feel like these ordinances are fair and not overreaching. As this stands, I believe it will serve all of us."

 

The initial draft of the ordinance, presented in October, focused on establishing dedicated food truck parks.

 

However, feedback from vendors highlighted the need for more flexibility.

 

In response, city staff collaborated with local food truck operators to refine the proposal.

 

Senior planner Michael Hanson noted, "We've definitely made significant effort to address the request that the engaged stakeholders with the food truck industry have requested."

 

The ordinance introduces two operational categories:

 

Principal Use: This allows for the development of dedicated food truck parks, requiring site plan approval and amenities like permanent restrooms, parking, and shared seating.

 

Operations are restricted between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., though trucks may remain on-site overnight.

 

Accessory Use: Food trucks can operate on existing commercial sites, such as parking lots of businesses like Walmart or Home Depot, with the property owner's permission.

 

Initially, operating hours were to align with the primary business.

 

However, Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri argued that such stipulations might overstep governmental boundaries.

 

She remarked, "That’s a private issue between private businesses."

 

The council concurred, deciding to let property owners and food truck operators determine operating hours.

 

Councilman Ty Miller added, "When this lease is signed, the landowner will dictate the hours of operation. I don’t think it’s our business, really."

 

Both operational categories require a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet.

 

Existing city regulations concerning sound, fire safety, noise, lighting, and waste discharge will apply.

 

Food truck vendors must obtain a state license to receive a city business tax receipt, granting them the ability to operate within city limits.

 

This ordinance marks a significant shift in Palm Coast's approach to mobile food vendors, reflecting the city's commitment to supporting small businesses and diversifying its culinary offerings.