Rocklin passes new food truck ordinance

The city of Rocklin is cracking down on food trucks parked in dangerous places. The Rocklin City Council approved the second reading Jan. 27 of a new ordinance restricting when and where "mobile vending vehicles" can operate in the city. The Rocklin municipal code previously did not address food trucks at all. The new regulations restrict operations to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and bans vending within 200 feet of school parks and schools, authorities said. The ordinance also provides regulations for food trucks in appropriate commercial and mixed-use zones while protecting the character and tranquility of exclusively residential neighborhoods, authorities said. "It levels the playing field. Neighborhoods are set specifically to not be commercial zones," explained Rocklin City Manager Aly Zimmermann. Staff acknowledged that food trucks provide convenient dining options, contribute to the economic vitality of the community and offer entrepreneurial opportunities for small businesses. However, the operation of food trucks in residential neighborhoods can create noise pollution, litter, traffic congestion and other impacts that disturb the quiet enjoyment of residential areas, said Management Analyst Gabrielle de Farcy in the report. Food trucks parked next to parks and recreational facilities also attract pedestrians, including children who may jaywalk to get there, explained Assistant City Manager Andrew Keys in the report. Similar safety concerns exist around events where large crowds gather. There was confusion at the Jan. 13 meeting about what defines "mobile vending." The ordinance does not apply to stationary vendors like "ghost kitchens," or those using such things as tents, already regulated under existing Rocklin law. The new law regulates only those cooks who drive or tow a kitchen around, said Zimmermann. Also, a Rocklin sidewalk vending permit program was already in place since 2023 for smaller, mobile push-cart vendors, according to the city website. The new Rocklin food truck ordinance includes the following: · Maintain a county health permit, city business license and compliance with applicable state law. · No vending between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. without city manager approval. No duration limits on private property with property owner permission, and mobile vendors may remain at a location more than two hours. · Trucks are prohibited in residential zones except during city-permitted events, when conducted on private property, and when providing catering services for a prearranged private event with no on-site sales. · No vending within 200 feet of any park, event or school property (during school hours). · No food trucks within 50 feet of any fire hydrant, bus stop, crosswalk, traffic signal, stop sign or driveway. · No vending within 15 feet of any building entrance or emergency exit. · No food trucks within 500 feet of a freeway on-ramp or off-ramp. · Operations shall not impede vehicle or pedestrian traffic, or block public right of way or access to businesses. · No amplified sound or music, except for transient mobile vending vehicle chimes. "We're not saying who can do what, but when things can happen," said Zimmermann. "We're not trying to discourage these smaller businesses, but we are also trying to make sure they are located in the appropriate places."