Food trucks approved for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Except for special events, food trucks have been missing from the South Lake Tahoe horizon, with a previous ordinance preventing an vehicle selling food items for stopping more than 15 minutes.

On Tuesday, the South Lake Tahoe City Council approved a new food truck ordinance that will take effect on March 19, 2019.

They had been working on the new ordinance since May 15, 2018 after two members from the public, Nicole Riegel Smith and Devin Middlebrook before his successful bid for City Council, spoke to the need to bring the popular dining option to South Lake Tahoe in September 2017.

Since that time the City has held workshops and meetings to develop what they believe is a fair ordinance.

Smith is co-owner of South Lake Brewing Company and has long wanted to have food trucks at her business to provide customers with food options. Prior to this new ordinance the only way a food truck could come onto private property was by obtaining a costly temporary event permit which could only be issued to the same business up to four times a year.

As part of the new ordinance, six private properties will be selected to be part of a pilot project to test out food trucks, check on their impact (if any) on brick-and-mortar restaurants, and see if changes need to be added.

"The old code completely stifled a potential new and unique industry." said Smith. "A previous city council approximately six years ago passed the old code without much thought or consideration all because of the complaints about one food truck parked 24/7 at Tahoe Toms. They didn’t fully realize the repercussions of their decision... since than, we haven’t seen food trucks fully flourish in town and become a consistent part of our food scene."

City staff, business owners, the two chambers, and community members worked together to come up with a solution that allows mobile food to be present on a regular basis on private property, but also protects brick and mortar restaurants. City staff also surveyed other communities on their food truck ordinances.

"I am fully confident that we have found that solution with the new codes regulations and am excited for South Lake Brewing Company to become one of the first properties to host food trucks in town," said Smith.

First steps for businesses will be for host properties to get a permit and then connect with mobile food vendors from Sacramento and other locations to bring their business to South Lake Tahoe.

Food trucks will have to obtain a separate permit through the City and ensure they are permitted with the El Dorado County Health Department.

The following situations are exempt from needing a permit under the new ordinance: Mobile food facilities and catering operations serving at private events that are
not open to the public, and mobile food facilities and catering operations serving at Temporary Activities in compliance with SLTCC 6.55.230.A, permitted Special Events, or Certified Farmers’ Markets.

Smith offered to help any locals interested in starting a food truck business. She'll offer advice, coaching and connections.

Some points of the new ordinance:

Mobile food trucks may only operate from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

It is unlawful for a person to vend from a mobile food facility within the public
right-of-way less than 10 feet from the entrance to the front door of a business,
less than four feet from a building, or less than 15 feet from any street corner
curb radius

It is unlawful for a person to stand, stop, or park a mobile food facility within 500 feet of the property line of any school with students 18 years of age or younger between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on days when school is in session. This provision may be waived with approval of the subject school district or school operator.

It is unlawful for a person to vend from a mobile food facility within the public
right-of-way less than 10 feet from the entrance to the front door of a business,
less than four feet from a building, or less than 15 feet from any street corner
curb radius.

To read the complete ordinance: https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/305642/02-Ordinance_MobileVen....