TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager prepare an analysis of the possible options for increased regulation of food trucks, and enforcement mechanisms, and report back to City Council within 90 days.
DISCUSSION
Food trucks have long been an important part of Southern California culture, and provide a popular amenity and culinary opportunity for many Long Beach residents, especially after normal restaurant hours have ended, at festivals and special events, and at work sites not served by brick and mortar businesses.
In 2011, recognizing the increasing popularity of food trucks, the City Council adopted legislation enacting regulations on them, hoping both to support the continued presence of food trucks in Long Beach as an amenity for residents and visitors, and also to regulate them appropriately to avoid an undue impact on residential neighborhoods, brick and mortar restaurants and cafes, and street and sidewalk transit.
Since that time, food trucks have been a common sight in Long Beach, with both positive and negative impacts. While residents enjoy having access to a variety of cuisines at places and times not usually served by brick and mortar businesses, food trucks have also located close to restaurants at times, creating a perception that brick and mortar businesses may be losing customers to food trucks which, free of many of the permitting and licensing requirements restaurants face, can often offer lower prices for the same fare. There is also a perception that the trucks do not always comply with regulations, for example the requirement that a bathroom is available to the public within a short distance.
The City should not seek to eliminate food trucks from the economic landscape in Long Beach, but does have an obligation to consider and minimize any negative impact on local businesses. Some adjustments to the regulations governing food trucks, such as those regulating their proximity to business entrances, their permittable hours of operation, the requirement for providing a lavatory, or other licensing and permitting requirements, might have the effect of reducing competition with and impact on brick and mortar businesses, while still maintaining the desired presence of food trucks in Long Beach.
This matter was reviewed by Finance Director John Gross on February 4, 2020. FISCAL
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests a report within 90 days on regulation of food trucks, and enforcement mechanisms. Preparation of this report is anticipated to require a moderate impact on staff hours beyond normal budgeted scope of duties and is expected to have minimal impact on existing City Council priorities. The report may be integrated into a broader report on street vending regulation and enforcement.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MARY ZENDEJAS COUNCILWOMAN,
FIRST DISTRICT