RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - In a special meeting on Sept. 24, the Rancho Cordova City Council discussed potential updates to the zoning code governing mobile food vendors. This session followed a request made during the council's July 15 meeting to review the current regulations and explore options for providing greater flexibility for vendors throughout the city.

The current zoning code distinguishes between two types of mobile vendors: sidewalk vendors, who operate from non-motorized conveyances in public spaces, and mobile food vendors, who sell from motorized units parked on private property. The council's focus was primarily on the latter.

Currently, mobile food vendors face a range of restrictions, including a maximum time limit of two hours at a single location and a requirement for a business license with a substantial application fee. These regulations have sparked complaints from both vendors and brick-and-mortar businesses. Many vendors argue that the two-hour limit severely restricts their ability to generate revenue, while local businesses express concerns about potential competition.

“I came to the United States looking for a better life for my family,” said Felix Villasenor, a mobile food vendor. “This dream is being interfered with by the regulations put on trailers. Allowing more hours for food trucks can allow families the opportunities to provide education for their children and help reach their goals.”

Janine Anderson, another vendor, emphasized the impact of the current regulations on her business model, which aims to support neurodivergent youth.

“Limiting us to a two-hour window doesn’t help us meet our goals of coaching, teaching them leadership skills, helping them socialize, and helping them a wage and contribute to the workforce,” she stated. “I would also suggest that local food truck owners have the first right of refusal for community events as we are local resident and want to put money back into our community.”

The council discussed potential modifications to the code that could include extending the time allowed for vendors at each location, establishing a new permit process to document property owner approval, and creating designated areas for recurring food truck events.

“An area like Mather would make a lot of sense for a specific location destination,” said Councilmember Donald Terry.

Other council members echoed the need for change.

“I am in alignment with my council members to increase the hours for food trucks,” said Vice-Mayor Siri Pulipati.

However, some council members expressed the importance of taking into consideration the concerns of the existing brick and mortar business in the community.

“If you were a struggling restaurant and neighboring property leases their parking lot to a competing venue, I could see how that might feel unfair to them as they have invested in brick-and-mortar and those mobile vendors might have no ties to the community,” said Mayor David M. Sander, Ph.D. “I saw other neighboring cities have distance regulations in terms of how far you can be to other restaurants. I think we could have further discussion with the help of the chamber to organize that discussion.”

The council is expected to continue discussions on this topic in future meetings, exploring ways to balance the needs of mobile vendors with those of the established businesses in the community.