The City of Orlando is looking to formally adopt and codify an 11-year pilot program that helps govern how, when, and where food trucks and mobile vendors do business within city limits. We told you HERE in March when a scheduled vote at the Municipal Planning Board was postponed so staff and board members could buy more time to work with local food truck operators to get on the same page about some proposed changes to the code. However, at a public meeting today, it became apparent that they never actually met with anyone outside of that original MPB meeting.
A public meeting was hosted at City Hall this past Wednesday, May 1, at 10 a.m., with various stakeholders invited to hear the new updates to the code since the last time they were shared publicly at the MPB meeting. Two food truck operators, Jordan Eichenblatt of Cholo Dogs and Eliot Hilis of Red Panda Noodle were the most vocal attendees, demanding why a follow-up meeting, which they believe they were promised, was never held. City officials seemed stunned by the question, apologized for any bad feelings, and pulled them aside for further discussion in another room at the end of the time allotted, but the incident left a bad taste in Eichenblatt’s mouth.
“We appreciate the invitation to this preliminary meeting, but there seems to be a lack of understanding with staff hearing our concerns. To be honest, I’m not sure they full understand all of the changes they’re talking about, because we heard some contradicting statements from the speakers today that left me with more questions than answers.”
– JORDAN EICHENBLATT
Some of the proposed code changes include caps on how many times a venue can host a food truck or multiple food trucks on their property without working with a city planning official to review their property’s master plan. Those plans must be updated to include designated food truck spots to ensure things are in order like easy access to the public right-of-way and easy access for emergency vehicles in case of an emergency.
Under the proposed code, trucks can operate on private property, in a commercial zoning district, or on a lot with an existing business (no vacant lots). They are only allowed to operate during the hours of the host business. If within 300 feet of residential uses, they must close by 10 p.m. on weekdays. Outside of downtown, trucks can only operate between 6 a.m. and midnight, even if the onsite business is open later.
The current city code requires larger food truck events, which could negatively impact adjacent properties or impede passing car and pedestrian traffic to apply for an 18-A permit, even if the event is being held on private property. No changes to the 18-A event permit process are proposed. Trucks must also prove that they have access to restrooms and electricity.
The current pilot program requires approval by the property owner in a letter and allows one food truck per property up to two times per week. Businesses wanting multiple food trucks would have to work with the property owner to establish a more concrete schedule, where to park the trucks via a city-approved site plan, and prove that they have a Business Tax Receipt and are registered with the City of Orlando. Even if they have a commissary outside of city limits.
The proposed code update will need to be voted on by the MPB this June before making its way before city council for two more reads before being adopted, likely by the end of the summer.
