COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chenin Dow, Community Development Director
DATE: June 16, 2026
SUBJECT: Introduction of an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 7-5.04 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code Concerning Catering Vehicles
Description:
The City Council will consider introducing an Ordinance amending Chapter 7-5.04 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code, establishing updated regulations for catering vehicles operating on public and private property within the City of Santa Maria.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Waive first reading and introduce an Ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 7 -
5.04 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code concerning Catering Vehicles; and
2. Set said ordinance for adoption at the next regular city council meeting.
BACKGROUND:
The catering vehicle industry has grown significantly in Santa Maria and across California over the past decade, emerging as an important component of the local small business ecosystem. The City’s existing catering vehicle regulations, last substantively updated in 2008, were not designed to address the scale, variety, and operational realities of today’s mobile food industry.
In response to growing interest from food truck operators, brick -and-mortar businesses, and community members, the City undertook a public out reach effort to engage directly with the local business community. Input gathered through that process revealed a clear consensus that the existing code was in need of updates. The proposed ordinance aims to establish a balanced, modern framework that refl ects the needs of operators, neighboring businesses, and the public.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Santa Maria is committed to fostering a business environment where both existing enterprises and new startups can not only survive, but thrive. The updated catering vehicle ordinance embodies that commitment. Rather than imposing a top-down regulatory approach, City staff worked collaboratively with the local business community to identify pain points in the existing code and develop practical, workable solutions.
The result is a measured regulatory framework that provides clear, consistent rules for all stakeholders, including operators, property owners, neighboring businesses, and City staff. Key improvements over the existing code include:
• Clearer separation requirements between catering vehicles and brick-and-mortar restaurants, protecting established businesses while allowing mobile vendors appropriate access to the market;
• Distinct operating rules for public property and private property, recognizing that the concerns and context differ meaningfully between the two; • Reasonable operating hours that enable catering businesses to serve both daytime and evening customers;
• Explicit cleanliness, noise, and site standards that protect surrounding properties and the public right-of-way; and
• A streamlined, enforceable structure that allows City staff to apply the code consistently and efficiently.
The proposed ordinance takes a measured approach, balancing the legitimate interests of mobile food operators against the c oncerns of brick-and-mortar restaurants, property owners, residents, and the general public. The 300-foot separation requirement between catering vehicles and restaurants protects fixed businesses from mobile businesses locating immediately adjacent to the ir storefronts, while still allowing mobile vendors to operate throughout most of the City. Protections for schools, residences, and public spaces ensure that vending activity does not create nuisances or unsafe conditions in sensitive locations.
On priva te property, operators have greater flexibility, including extended hours until 11:00 p.m. provided they secure written consent from the property owner and all tenants.
This approach respects private property rights while ensuring that adjacent uses are no t negatively impacted without their knowledge.
Another core driver of the update is improving enforceability. The existing code’s ambiguities and time requirements have made consistent enforcement difficult, creating frustration for compliant operators an d an uneven playing field for businesses. The proposed ordinance eliminates these issues, ensuring that enforcement staff can apply the code uniformly and transparently. This approach reduces the burden on City staff by providing clear thresholds, reduces disputes by setting predictable expectations for operators, and reinforces the City’s commitment to fair and even-handed regulation of all businesses.
Alternative
The City Council may decline to introduce the Ordinance. This would leave the existing 2008 regulations in place.
Fiscal Considerations
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of this Ordinance. The updated standards may modestly improve compliance rates and reduce enforcement costs over time by providing clear, consistent rules that are easier for operators to follow and staff to apply.
Impact on the Community
The updated catering vehicle regulations advance the City’s goal of building upon its strong reputation as a welcoming, business-friendly community by providing mobile food vendors with a clear and fair regulatory framework to operate and grow. At the same time, the ordinance protects brick -and-mortar businesses, neighboring property owners, and the public from the negative impacts that poorly regulated mobile vendi ng can produce.
The result is a more vibrant, equitable, and well-managed local marketplace that benefits all Santa Maria businesses and residents.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Ordinance