Created: 2026-04-16 12:52:47 [EST]
(Supp. No. 85, 1-26)
20.44.020 Food trucks in fixed locations.
A. Location. Food trucks (or "mobile food vendors") that park in fixed locations, instead of being "street and sidewalk vendors" as defined in Chapter 5.54 (Street and Sidewalk Vendors), are only permitted in zoning districts as shown in the land use regulation tables in Part 2 (Zoning Districts) and planned developments with those same designations. A "fixed location" is considered to be parked on any one (1) parcel for more than one (1) hour a day.
B. Permits Required. A site plan review permit or conditional use permit is required for all food trucks that park in a fixed location as shown in the land use regulation tables in Part 2 (Zoning Districts) or in planned developments with a conditional use permit. Such permits are required for each location if there are multiple locations.
C. Operational Standards.
1. Number per Parcel. Only one (1) food truck shall be allowed per developed site and shall not be allowed on vacant parcels without another permitted use operating on the site, unless otherwise approved by conditional use permit as part of a food truck parking area as defined in Subsection 7 below.
2. Hours of Operation. Food trucks shall be operated only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily, unless otherwise approved by site plan or conditional use permit.
3. Parking and Access. Food trucks shall only be allowed in parking lots which are paved and striped to city standards. Each food truck shall provide parking as required in Chapter 20.38 (Parking and Loading) and shall not utilize parking spaces required for another permitted use on the site. Food trucks shall not block driveways or parking aisles.
4. Maintenance. The site shall be maintained free of trash and debris at all times and provision shall be made for refuse collection containers for patrons.
5. Advertising. All signage shall be contained on the catering vehicle. No A-frame signs, banners, flags, or moving or portable signs shall be permitted for the use anywhere on or off the site.
6. Licenses. Food trucks shall comply with all city business license requirements as well as all requirements of the Merced County Health Department, including provisions for food safety, approved commissary, and employee restrooms (no portable toilets allowed).
7. Establishment of Multiple Food Truck Parking Areas. With a conditional use permit in any zoning district which permits food trucks, parking areas for multiple food trucks may be established. The city may require permanent seating, shelters, refuse containers, and other amenities with the conditional use permit.
(Ord. No. 2465, § 2(Exhs. A., B.), 9-19-2016)