Merced Planning Commission approves two food-truck site permits and asks staff to study moratorium

The Merced City Planning Commission voted May 6 to approve two conditional use permits that would allow multi‑truck food operations at 131 West Main and 402 Mercy Avenue while asking staff to return with options, including a possible moratorium, to address the growing concentration of mobile vendors.

Jessie Lee, Development Services Technician II for the City of Merced, told the commission the first proposal (CUP 25‑0020; site plan review 25‑0015; environmental review 25‑0047) would allow two tortilla trailers with a drive‑through component plus two food trucks at 131 West Main and include 14 parking spaces, six picnic tables and public and employee restroom access. Lee said staff is recommending the project be approved under a Class 32 CEQA infill exemption and listed operational conditions including trash receptacles while food is served, prohibition of temporary signs and alcohol, compliance with Merced County Environmental Health and the city's water quality requirements, and a provision allowing the city to revoke the permit if excessive police service calls occur.

After Lee's presentation, a commissioner described the site as a positive reuse of a vacant lot and moved to approve the permit "subject to the 33 conditions of approval." The motion was seconded and the vote passed.

The second item (CUP 26‑0021; environmental review 26‑0051) would permit a Hu Fu truck at 402 Mercy Avenue in an office‑commercial zone. Lee said the applicant proposed operations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and noted staff added a condition authorizing the Development Services director to approve extended hours should the applicant request it in the future. Employee restroom access would be provided in the adjacent Merced Heart Associates building. Lee again recommended the project qualify for the Class 32 CEQA infill exemption.

No members of the public registered opposition to either proposal; on both items the applicants were present but declined to speak. A commissioner moved to approve CUP 26‑0021 "category exemption subject to 33 conditions of approval," the motion was seconded, and the commission approved the item.

Beyond the two votes, commissioners raised broader concerns about the pace and geographic concentration of recent food‑truck approvals. Commissioners noted multiple approvals clustered near intersections such as Main and 16th and asked staff whether the city should revisit the ordinance or place a temporary pause on new approvals while staff studies changes.

A member of staff told the commission that, because the topic was not agendized for decision that night, staff would return at the next commission meeting with options and recommended a resolution requesting the City Council consider a moratorium (a pause enacted by the council) to allow time for study and potential ordinance revisions. Commissioners asked staff to consider limits on unused approvals (a sunset for permits that are not implemented) and how conditions would be enforced if operators exceed permitted truck counts.

The Planning Commission approved both conditional use permits and directed staff to prepare materials for a future, agendized discussion of ordinance changes and the possible moratorium. The commission then moved on to its calendar items and adjourned.

Votes at a glance: both CUP 25‑0020 (131 West Main) and CUP 26‑0021 (402 Mercy Avenue) were approved; the motions were seconded and passed (individual roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the transcript).