HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-22-G02 Mobile Food Units Ordinance_PH AGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: February 22, 2022
AGENDA ITEM: Public Hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 165, Zoning
Regulations, Definitions and General Regulations, Waukee, Iowa by
adding provisions for Mobile Food Units.
FORMAT: Public Hearing
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: Mobile food units (food trucks) have been a use
permitted by a pilot program established by the City Council in 2018. Since 2018, Community
Development Department staff have continually refined requirements for mobile food units via
the pilot program.
The proposed Ordinance would allow for the operation of mobile food units within the City of
Waukee. Mobile food unit operators would be required to receive an annual permit to operate
within the city limits. The permits would expire on December 31st of each year. Staff within the
Community Development Department would continue to administer the program should the
proposed Ordinance be adopted.
The proposed ordinance includes specifications for where mobile food units can locate, specific
licensing requirements, safety measures, and required annual inspections.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT: The Planning and Zoning
Commission reviewed the proposed Ordinance at their meeting held
on February 8, 2022 and recommended approval:
Approval of an ordinance to amend Chapter 165-Zoning Regulations, Definitions, &
General Regulations, Waukee, Iowa, to incorporate provisions for Mobile Food Units
Community Development Director, Andy Kass, introduced the proposed amendment to
incorporate provisions for mobile food units. Mr. Kass explained that the provisions are similar to
the recently enacted pilot program that has been in place for several years and has generally been
well received. The provisions include a few minor improvements such as allowing mobile food
units in public and private areas, requiring an annual submission permit except in cases such as
events and the Farmers market where the applicant is already registering and meeting minimum
requirements for operations, and requiring licensing through the Iowa Department of Inspections
& Appeals, as well as an inspection from Waukee Fire Department, or another jurisdiction
inspection within the last year.
Commissioner Gerlitz questioned if there were notification requirements for when and
where the food trucks would be operating. Mr. Kass advised that there is no requirement
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for notification of locations, however the anticipated location and times are listed on the
permits submitted. This could change if concerns and complaints are reported.
Commissioners Streit and Tessau questioned if there were maximum times allowed in
one space, and if other cities also had mobile food unit permits. Mr. Kass advised that
other cities did have permitting requirements and that for the City of Waukee, units were
regulated to two hours at a time in one spot, frequenting a spot no more than 5 days in a
row, and no allowed overnight parking. Additionally, the units can not create an instance
were parking the unit reduces the available parking below the required parking spaces for
the area.
Commissioner Broderick questioned if there was any feedback from brick-and-mortar
stores. Mr. Kass advised none at this time.
Commissioner Streit moved to approve an ordinance to amend Chapter 165-Zoning Regulations,
Definitions, & General Regulations, Waukee, Iowa, to incorporate provisions for Mobile Food
Units. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gerlitz. Ayes: Hoifeldt, Streit, Broderick,
Koshy, Tessau, and Gerlitz. Nays: none. Motion Carried.
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT:
RECOMMENDATION: Hold the Public Hearing.
ATTACHMENTS: I.
PREPARED BY: Andy Kass, Community Development Director
REVIEWED BY:
PUBLIC NOTICE INFORMATION –
NAME OF PUBLICATION: Dallas County News
DATE OF PUBLICATION: February 10, 2022