Proposed food truck park ordinance presented to county commissioners

Nancy McCleary, The Sanford Herald, N.C.
·2 min read

Mar. 22—The Lee County Board of Commissioners will likely take action at a future meeting to approve a change that will allow the establishment of a food truck park.

A public hearing was held at the board's meeting Monday at the McSwain Agricultural Extension Center. No one spoke for or against it.

The recommendation from the joint Planning Board is the result of increasing popularity of mobile food vendors "several inquiries regarding the creation of a 'food truck park,' " according to Zoning Administrator Amy McNeill.

The commissioners have discussed the use and regulations of food trucks at previous meetings. The issue of a park dedicated solely to food trucks has been raised in those discussions.

The proposed amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance includes standards for a park.

Each park will be required to have permanent restroom facilities, according to the proposal. Portable toilets would not be allowed.

Also required will be permanent means of garbage disposal, which can include recycling. The area will be maintained, and trash is to be empties each day or as needed. The area will be screened off to street traffic.

Food trucks will be located on asphalt or concrete and must be located at least 100 feet from the main entrance of any restaurants or diners and at least 100 feet from outdoor dining in the truck park, according to the proposal. Vendors must set up a minimum of 15 feet from the edge of a public driveway, sidewalk, utility boxes, handicapped ramps and all entrances and exits.

A minimum of three parking spaces per truck will be provided. Electrical, water and sewer services are to be connected to a central structure. Generators will not be allowed, according to the proposal.

Some suggestions were made, but there was little discussion. Commissioner Andre Knecht, the board's vice chair, suggested referring to the food truck parks as business establishments.

McNeill made a note of that.

Commissioner Mark Lovick recused himself from the discussion because of a family member's involvement with a food truck.

No one spoke for against the proposal.

Planning board members were in attendance for the discussion and left to have their own conversation on the proposal.

Any recommendations from the planners will be brought back to the commissioners before any action is taken.