Although they’ve been outlawed till now, Park City will soon allow food trucks within city limits. Melissa Allison tells us why:
The Utah legislature this year changed the laws so that Park City can no longer keep food trucks out of the city limits. City leaders were concerned about the impact they would have on local business that have brick and mortar storefronts and have to pay property taxes.
Park City Planning Director Bruce Erickson said they’re simplifying the changes to the city’s land management code so food trucks will operate just like any other allowed use restaurant in Park City.
“We’re just now finishing the remainders of the staff report to the city council to get their direction and the planning commission,” Erickson said. “But, for the most part, food trucks will be deregulated consistent with the state legislation.”
However, regulations will be in place.
“Making sure we have access to the roads correctly. We don’t add access onto highway 248 or 224 and disrupt traffic,” Erickson said. “We want to make sure the landscaping tandard on a site remain consistent with any other allowed use in the zone. And then there is some health and sanitation issues, but for the most part, it will be regulated under the business license.”
He said there aren’t many locations in Park City that will work since the city is mostly built out.
“They will not be allowed in the right-of-way, or on city streets, you’ll have to be on private property under these regulations,” Erickson said. “And we’re completely hands-off on special events. That will be regulated through the special events department and they’ll be able to do all the food trucks that they feel necessary for any event that’s going to happen.”
Erickson said it’ll be a great opportunity for some of the city’s facilities such as the ice rink and fields because people won’t have to come into town to eat.
Erickson said staff will have the changes before the city council by the end of October.
I’m Melissa Allison, KPCW News.