Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.F
Meeting Date: November 12, 2025
From: Andrew Firestine, AICP, Director of Community and Economic Development
Title: Second Reading of Ordinance Adopting Regulations for the Operation of Food Trucks within Cathedral City
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the second reading of an uncodified ordinance implementing a temporary food truck pilot program on private property.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council conducted the first reading and public hearing of an uncodified ordinance implementing a temporary food truck pilot program on private property on October 22, 2025.
Cathedral City currently regulates food trucks in the public right-of-way but not comprehensively on private property. Neighboring Coachella Valley cities generally allow private-property operation with conditions. The proposed pilot provides a controlled framework to: Improve safety and compliance (move operations onto paved/lawful sites with restrooms and ADA access), protect nearby restaurants and schools through buffers, hours, and site standards, and generate data to inform a potential permanent code update.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed ordinance establishes the following for the pilot program:
Scope: Private property only; does not amend Cathedral City Municipal Code Chapter 5.82
Location & Surfacing: Must operate on an improved surface; paved, striped parking serving an active primary use. No vacant or unimproved lots. Property Owner Consent: Written, notarized, authorization identifying exact location and hours and restroom use agreements.
Restrooms: 150 feet or less by accessible path to a permanent restroom/handwash facility open during operating hours (no porta-potties except under City-issued Special Use Permit).
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (extensions only via SUP). Site Envelope & Fixtures: Entire operation contained within 3 or less parking spaces or total of 600 sq feet including the mobile food facility (MFF); no exterior cooking maintain ADA paths; no amplified sound; onboard/enclosed generators only; must adhere to City noise limits.
Buffers:
oSchools: 500 feet from school property, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on school days unless principal consents.
oEating/Drinking Establishments 500 feet
One per parcel: Max 1 MFF per parcel at a time (multiple only via SUP). Licenses/Tax: Display City business license, County Environmental Health permit/grade, and a California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) seller’s permit.
Trash & Cleanliness: Lidded receptacle; daily removal; joint responsibility with host for litter within 50 feet
The proposed ordinance is being introduced as an uncodified ordinance because it is temporary in nature, intended solely to evaluate the effects of operating food trucks on private property. At the conclusion of the pilot, Council may rescind, extend, or amend the ordinance. Should the program be deemed successful, Council may consider a permanent amendment to Chapter 5.82 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code that will allow food trucks to operate on private property with clear conditions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None at this time.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Food Truck Pilot Program Ordinance