HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 06City of Lakeville
Community & Economic Development
Memorandum
To: Mayor and City Council
From: David L. Olson, Community and Economic Development Director
Copy: Justin Miller, City Administrator
Daryl Morey, Planning Director
Rick Howden, Economic Development Specialist
Date: February 23, 2017
Subject: Food Truck/Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance Discussion
The City has recently received a request from the owners of Angry Inch Brewery to allow food
trucks or mobile food vendors in the Central Business District of Downtown. The City of
Lakeville does not currently have an ordinance specific to the operation of food trucks within
the City. Food trucks are becoming more popular particularly in cities where microbreweries
with tap rooms are located.
In the past, the City has allowed food trucks and mobile food vendors during special events
such as Pan-O-Prog. If the City is going to consider regulations for food trucks and mobile
food vendors, any proposed ordinance should take into account the potential for the use of
food trucks in other commercial areas within the city in addition to Downtown as well as
industrial areas, residential areas for special events such as block parties and City Parks.
Staff has reviewed other city’s ordinances pertaining to the regulation of food trucks or
mobile food vendors including Excelsior, St. Louis Park, Shakopee, and Burnsville. Staff
compiled comparisons of the areas allowed, hours of operation, permit/license fees, and
permit/license length & limits. This information is intended to provide examples of how
other cities have chosen to regulate this type of activity. While most cities that were reviewed
only allowed food trucks on private property, Burnsville has designated certain street
locations that are approved for food trucks. Three of the four city ordinances reviewed did
not place limits on the length of time a licensed food truck could operate at one location,
however, Shakopee limited a permit/license holder to no more than 21 days at one location.
Burnsville elected not to allow food trucks in commercial retail areas of their City.
Recommended Action:
If the Council wishes to consider allowing this type of activity in Lakeville, it should direct staff
to prepare a draft ordinance for the Council’s consideration.