City Says No to Food Truck Fines

Food trucks in South Pasadena will no longer be cited for selling food out of a parked vehicle with City Council passing a motion Wednesday night to bring its municipal code in line with state law. 

"We cannot pass a policy that deals with a business competition," explained City Attorney Richard Adams Wednesday night. "We can only pass a policy that protects public safety."

Pursuant to California Vehicle Code, the Fourth District Court of Appeal held that cities can only regulate food trucks according to public health. They cannot completely ban them.

As a result of the change in state law, food trucks now need to be within 200 feet of an accessible hand washing-area and toilet if parked for more than one hour. 

"Quite frankly, we are very limited in what we can do as far as regulating these," Adams told council. 

The Next Step

Scott Feldmann asked that the City create regulations that supplement the business district and still provide an opportunity for community engagement.

"As representative of the business community, please—yes to food trucks on a limited basis for events and fundraisers only," said Feldmann.  "...They add excitement to the market and fun and flavor to the event."

Resident Chris Colburn, whose been blogging about food trucks on Patch, already considers Wednesday night's ruling a victory. 

"I'm about fairness; and being licensed and then cited isn't fair. It's wrong," he said. 

Council directed staff to bring back an amendment regarding public safety regulations. These could range from parking within 100 feet of any corner to having the Superintendent sign off on a truck selling within a block of school grounds.

What public safety regulations would you like to see imposed on food trucks in South Pas?