South Pasadena reviews draft food‑truck rules, weighing safety and competition concerns

City staff on Monday presented a draft ordinance that would set where and how mobile food‑dispensing vehicles, commonly called food trucks, may operate in South Pasadena and establish related operational standards.

Planner Craig Southern said the draft was prompted by recent food‑truck activity in commercial‑general and multifamily areas and by a review of Florida Statute 509.102. "While Florida law preempts separate local licensing and bans outright citywide prohibitions, municipalities retain authority over zoning, circulation, parking, sanitation, fire safety and hours of operation," Southern told the commission.

Commissioners raised several concerns. One asked whether the draft’s definition of "improved surface" would effectively require paving and thereby bar trucks from dirt or hard‑pack lots; staff agreed to amend the language to allow "stabilized" surfaces or owner permission so long as property damage and public‑safety issues are addressed.

Public‑safety staff warned that trucks located in places not designed for foot traffic can create ingress and egress hazards. The fire chief briefed the commission on a pending amendment to the state fire code and a 69A administrative rule that, if adopted, will require state‑approved annual vehicle inspections and allow local officials to request inspection paperwork and perform limited on‑site checks. The chief said a city‑provided inspection for vehicles without state paperwork would likely carry a fee.

On where trucks should be permitted, commissioners discussed limiting recurring operations on the main commercial corridor while allowing food‑truck events or periodic service at multifamily complexes and other private properties. Staff proposed special‑event permits for rallies (three or more trucks) and the possibility of single‑truck special‑event permits in commercial‑general districts, coupled with a frequency limit (one special event per 30‑day period). Restroom access, prohibition on blocking parking or access ways, and requirements for site sketches showing traffic flow were also discussed.

Commissioners favored a draft that would allow controlled special events and multifamily access while preventing continuous competition that could harm existing restaurants. Staff was directed to revise the draft (clarify surface language, confirm event thresholds and frequency limits, and list safety/inspection procedures) and return with updated language for further review.

The commission did not take a formal vote; the item will return for future consideration.