Title
Discussion of issues relating to the permitting of food trucks.
Body
Summary:
At the City Council Workshop held on February 5, 2019, Council discussed options for allowing food trucks to operate in Deer Park under certain conditions. Of particular interest was permitting them at City facilities as part of special events, such as our Thursday night summer concerts in Dow Park. At that time, Council was receptive to staff examining this issue further and offering recommendations for implementation.
Since that time, staff has held several meetings to formulate a recommended ordinance for Council’s consideration. Attached please find this ordinance. We believe it encompasses what we intended to accomplish, while avoiding any unintended consequences. Highlights on the ordinance include the following:
• A $25 permit would be required, and it is good for 90 days.
• City requires a background check for registered sexual offenders for all persons working in the food truck.
• Vendor must have a valid health permit from Harris County.
• Food truck must have written permission from property owner to operate from private property (or from the City in order to operate in a City park).
• Must have access to a nearby flushable toilet in a facility.
• Must be parked on a paved surface with adequate parking for patrons.
• Cannot serve from the roads, streets, or rights-of-way.
• Cannot operate for more than twelve (12) consecutive hours, and cannot park at a location for more than 48 hours.
• Cannot operate in a residential zoned area unless in a public park with City of Deer Park’s written permission.
• Cannot dispose of grease or grey-water on site.
• Cannot offer drive through service.
• Food truck must have an approved fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
We look forward to discussing this with you further on Tuesday evening.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
Permit fee of $25.
Recommended action
Discussion only in Workshop.