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Consider public testimony regarding, and an ordinance amending Zoning and Development Code, Chapter 1, Article Ill, Section 1-50 and Chapter 2, Article VIII, Section 2-93, Code of Ordinances (2018 Edition), regarding mobile food establishments. (First Reading)*
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Mobile food establishments (aka food trucks) were first allowed by code in 2015. The original ordinance provided for “long term” permits to allow food trucks to locate in conjunction with certain primary uses; however, trucks could not stay overnight when visible from public rights-of-way except on weekends/holidays. In 2019, “short term” permits were added to the Code to allow food trucks for events. Recently, PDS has received inquiries for food truck parks, likely resulting from the increased demand for outdoor dining.
The proposed amendment creates a new category of food truck permits to allow mobile food establishment parks. As with other types of mobile food establishments currently in the code, permits are issued to the owner of a site. Land uses where a park may be located include public and private education facilities, corporate office campuses, business/industrial parks, and municipal parks and recreation facilities. Because the food trucks may remain on site at all times, access to public restrooms and hand washing facilities are required when the park is open for business. A building permit shall be required for any permanent structures associated with the park (shade structures, etc.), and a post-and-panel sign for the park area meeting the requirements of the sign code may be installed with a sign permit. To oversee the park, a mobile food park manager shall be designated for the property on the permit application and posted on-site with contact information.
A few additional amendments are proposed to the mobile food establishment section, including:
• Addition of home-owners association-owned common areas as a land use allowing short-term and long-term mobile food establishment permits.
• Clarification of other permits and inspections required and penalties for not seeking the required fire permit/inspection.
Round Rock Fire Department requested language be added to the code to clarify that mobile food establishments shall remain on wheels/drivable or with the hitch in place necessary to remain mobile. Additionally, while the permit application already requires the mobile food establishment host to attest that all food trucks hosted on-site have the required Williamson County and Cities Health District and Round Rock Fire Department permits and inspections, language added to the code is proposed for clarification purposes. Mobile food establishments may be shut down immediately if they are not displaying proper permits. The proposed amendment allows the Zoning Administrator to revoke a permit for one year if the permit-holder hosts a mobile food establishment without proper permits three times within a 12-month period.
• Exemption of mobile food establishment permit fee for municipal parks and recreation facilities and home-owners association properties.
• Definitions added for “Mobile Food Establishment Park” and “Mobile Food Park Manager” to Sec. 1-50, Definitions.
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended this ordinance as presented on June 2, 2021. No members of the public spoke at the public hearing.