TO: City Council DATE: September 14, 2026 DEPARTMENT: Economic Development Department
PREPARED BY: Sarah McCormick, Economic Development Manager PRESENTER: Sarah McCormick, Economic Development Manager AGENDA TITLE: Receive Report and Consider Introducing by Title Only and Waiving Further Reading of Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Section 10.20.150 (Mobile Vending Permit Required) and Section 10.20.155 (Parking of Mobile Vending Vehicles Permit Liability Insurance Requirements) of Chapter 10.20 (Stopping Standing and Parking) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code and Consider Adoption of Resolution Regarding Locations for Mobile Vending Units in the Central Business District Right of Way
RECOMMENDATION
Introduce by Title Only and Waiving Further Reading of Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Section 10.20.150 (Mobile Vending Permit Required) and Section 10.20.155 (Parking of Mobile Vending Vehicles Permit Liability Insurance Requirements) of Chapter 10.20 (Stopping Standing and Parking) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code and Adopt Resolution Regarding Locations for Mobile Vending Units in the Central Business District Right of Way
BACKGROUND
Following discussions at three meetings of the Community Development Committee and three City Council meetings, City Council adopted regulations to allow mobile vending within city-limits on September 28, 2015. Regulations were further refined by City Council in 2019.
On April 15, 2026 the Community Development Committee (CDC) held a special meeting to consider potential amendments to mobile vending regulations (Att. 2 - April 15 CDC Report). Following the discussion, the CDC provided the following direction to staff:
Provide immediate temporary signage in approved downtown locations; Explore potential downtown locations for a food truck park; and Identify suitable locations throughout the city to accommodate Mobile Vending Units.
On May 4, 2026 the CDC held a regularly scheduled meeting to receive an update on Mobile Vending Ordinance process, as well as information regarding code enforcement activities undertaken to date (Att. 3 – May CDC Report). Based on that discussion, the CDC provided the following additional direction to staff:
Continue relying on existing General Plan standards to regulate noise; Do not expand the types of goods permitted under a Mobile Vending Unit Permit; Research the feasibility of permanently closing Laurel Street between N. Franklin Street and the first alley to the east to create a food truck plaza; and Present the CDC’s recommendation to the Planning Commission for input before forwarding it to the full City Council for consideration.
On August 3, 2026 the CDC held a regularly scheduled meeting to receive report on potential locations to cluster food trucks in the downtown area (Att. 4 – August CDC Report). The following direction was given to staff:
Continue allowing mobile vending from standalone downtown locations, rather than creating a food truck cluster; Remove Alder Street location adjacent to Purity Market parking lot; Add location on east side of the 400 block on N. Franklin Street adjacent to City Hall parklet; and Install permanent signage to limit hours reserved for mobile vending units.
On September 9, 2026 the Fort Bragg Planning Commission considered revisions suggested the City Council also consider additional metrics to regulate noise from generators, a map of Central Business District locations to be included as an Exhibit to resolution, and that a review of mobile vending operations be taken by the Community Development Director in one year’s time.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Mobile Vending is regulated by Bragg Municipal Code, Title 10, Chapter 10.20, Sections 10.20.150 and 10.20.155. The proposed changes for City Council consideration include:
Removing Alder Street location and adding a location on the east side of the 400 block of N Franklin Street, adjacent to City Hall parklet; Install signage at approved downtown location to reserve on-street parking for mobile vending units between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM; Issue Mobile Vending Permits in City right of way for one year and on private property for two-years; Prohibit Mobile Vending in the Central Business District on Wednesdays; Restructure ordinance to create more clarity on Mobile Vending Units (Food Trucks) vs. Sidewalk Vending; and Require that the Community Development Director review mobile vending operations and regulations in 12-months and report findings and recommendations to the Community Development Committee within 90-days thereafter.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
The City’s General Fund will cover costs associated with drafting and processing ordinance, as well as purchasing and install signage.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
Adoption of the proposed revisions to the mobile vending regulations are exempt from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15301 (Minor Alteration Existing Operations), 15304 (Temporary Uses) and 15311(c) (Accessory Facilities). It can be seen with certainty that these regulations will not have a significant effect on the environment.
STRATEGIC PLAN/COUNCIL PRIORITIES/GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY Goal 1: Invigorate Economic Opportunity and Community Vibrancy Program: Revitalize Fort Bragg consistent with the character of the community by supporting existing businesses and attracting a variety of local business ownership, supporting buyer empowerment, and creating employment opportunities to encourage spending within our local economy.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Mobile Vending Units have been topic of discussion at Monthly Business Roundtable Meetings that take place the first Wednesday of the month at 10am in Town Hall, located at 363 N Main Street.
A steering committee assisted with the development of survey questions that the City promoted through Press Release, website, social media channels, flyers, and hand walked to downtown businesses.
The public is invited to attend this meeting of the City Council, as well as any past and/or future meeting held by committee, Planning Commission, and/or City Council. Past meeting videos are archived and can be accessed through the City’s website.
COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This item was discussed at three meetings of the Community Development Committee and one meeting of Planning Commission.
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft Ordinance
Draft Resolution
April CDC Report
May CDC Report
August CDC Report
NOTIFICATION:
Planning Commission
Mobile Vending Units: Los Primos; La Taqueria Oaxaqueña; El Torito Notify Me e-Subscriber List: Agendas
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8B
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT