Calistoga council narrows mobile‑food rules but approves private‑lot option over business objections

The Calistoga City Council on May 21 voted to introduce an amendment allowing mobile food vendors to operate on private property in the Downtown Commercial (DC) zoning district, a change that council members and local business owners said could affect parking and the corridor character of the town.

Planning Director Desmond told council the ordinance amendment would legalize mobile food vending on private parcels in the DC district; staff emphasized the draft applies to private property only and does not automatically permit vending in public rights of way. The change would apply across the DC district rather than to a single parcel.

Charles Davis, co‑owner of a barbecue restaurant on Foothill Boulevard, asked whether the parcel under discussion would remain available to his business for parking and warned that weekend overflow could push his customers into the new parking area. “Is that parcel going to be available to me to use as parking? If so, that is good. If not, that’s going to present a big problem,” he told council.

Council members debated alternatives including designating a single public site (Logbee Park parking lot) for mobile vendors, limiting the number of permits, or allowing a temporary trial period to evaluate parking and pedestrian safety. Concerns focused on protecting brick‑and‑mortar businesses from competitive pressure and preserving the town’s gateway appearance along Highway 29.

Mayor Williams moved to introduce the ordinance amending Calistoga Municipal Code chapters 5.12 and 17.21; the motion passed on the vote, with Council member Gift and Vice Mayor Lopez Ortega recorded as dissenting. The council asked staff to consult with the property owner and report back on parking allowances and traffic implications before the second reading, which will include another public hearing.

Why it matters: business owners argued the rules had been intentionally narrow to protect downtown merchants; supporters of mobile vending cited increased consumer choice and added vibrancy. The council’s decision to permit private‑lot vending expands where mobile vendors may legally operate but leaves practical details — parking controls, permit administration and potential restrictions — to staff and a future council vote.

What’s next: staff will contact the referenced property owner to clarify whether additional on‑site parking can be made available, and the ordinance will return for a second reading and final adoption only after the staff report addresses council concerns.