Oxford Weighs First-Ever Rules for Food Truck Parks

Oxford’s rules for mobile food vendors could change under a proposal reviewed by the Board of Aldermen on Oct. 6, the first step toward writing Oxford mobile food vendor regulations into the city’s Land Development Code and creating a formal framework for food truck parks.

The measure would add mobile food vending as a use in the code and set limits on how many vendors may operate on a single property, according to Ben Requet, Director of Planning. Requet said the changes respond to growing interest in formal mobile food vending areas, frequent requests for a mobile food park, and many inquiries about how and where such operations could be established. The current ordinance does not provide for mobile food parks, he said.

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How many vendors, and what approval is needed

Under the proposal, one vendor per lot would be allowed as a permitted use in designated districts. Two to four vendors would require special use approval. Five or more vendors would require a special exception.

Mobile vendors in the SMF district would also require a special exception.

Multiple-vendor applications would need a site plan showing existing conditions and proposed improvements. Improvements could include parking, restrooms, seating, and pedestrian or bicycle facilities. For special exceptions, the Planning Commission could require additional reasonable improvements.

Parking scales with vendor count

Parking requirements would vary by the number of vendors. A single vendor would not trigger additional parking. For two to four vendors, parking would have to be shown on the site plan. Five or more vendors would require five parking spaces plus one space for every 100 square feet of seating.

Permits, operating hours and cleanup

Vendors would need both a city privilege license and a mobile food vending permit for each pushcart or vehicle. They would have to operate on private property with proof of permission.

Operating hours would run from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Cleanup and removal would have to be completed within 30 minutes of closing.

The provisions also address trash, grease, wastewater, receptacles, generators, noise, sanitation, taxes and licensing.

Distance limits, alcohol ban and sales rules

Vendors would be prohibited within 20 feet of a bus stop and within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. They could not block the view of traffic, signals or signs, and a vendor would have to be present while operating.

Food and beverage sales would be allowed, but alcohol would be prohibited. Sales to people in motor vehicles would be prohibited unless the vehicle is legally parked.

Design standards for signs, umbrellas and lighting

One temporary sign would be allowed, with a maximum size of 3 feet by 5 feet. Canopies and umbrellas could be no more than 8 feet high, with umbrellas capped at 6 feet in diameter. No more than two umbrellas would be permitted. Exterior lighting would have to be shielded from residential properties.

A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for the next board meeting on Oct. 20. The exact zoning districts where the permitted use would apply, permit fees, penalties for noncompliance, and the proposal’s effective date if approved were not specified in the brief.