The St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency unanimously recommended approval on Aug. 6 of a countywide land development code amendment creating policies for food trucks and food truck parks.
Board members Meagan Perkins and Greg Matovina were absent for the vote.
Requested by the Board of County Commissioners in May, the amendment establishes operating standards for individual food trucks and creates regulations for food truck parks, a use that currently is not defined under the county’s land development code.
The legislation would allow food truck parks in Highway Commercial, High Intensity Commercial and Rural Commercial zoning districts. Individual food trucks also would be permitted as a temporary use in additional districts, including Commercial Intensive and Commercial Warehouse.
Under the proposed standards, three or more food trucks operating on a single parcel would constitute a food truck park, defined as a development with permanent on-site seating, sanitary facilities and amenities where multiple mobile food vendors offer food or beverages for sale.
Individual food trucks would also included as a temporary use in additional zoning districts, including Commercial Intensive and Commercial Warehouse for up to three days.
The design standards limit food truck park hours of operation to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., require individual food trucks to be separated by at least 10 feet or the minimum separation required by the National Fire Protection Association, whichever is greater, and prohibit individual food trucks from being located within 100 feet of a residential structure.
Food truck parks also would be required to provide a minimum of three seats per truck in a designated eating area, at least five parking spaces or one space per three seats, ADA-compliant access, restroom facilities and required water, wastewater and grease interceptor connections. Trash receptacles and centralized solid waste storage also would be required.
“The intent is to provide clear development criteria while protecting adjacent properties,” Planning Division Manager Jacob Smith told the county commission at its July 21 meeting when the ordinance had its first reading.
Following feedback from commissioners’ first reading on July 21, the draft before the PZA reflected expanded operating hours from an earlier 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. proposal. Commissioners supported the wider window after food truck vendors said the original hours limited both breakfast and dinner service.
Noise concerns
PZA members focused heavily on potential noise impacts from food truck parks, particularly where outdoor seating, live entertainment or amplified music could be located near residential areas.
Agency member Judy Spiegel questioned whether the ordinance should specifically address live entertainment. Staff said food truck parks, as outdoor commercial uses, could allow ancillary activities such as live music, but amplified music and performances would remain subject to the county’s existing noise ordinance.
During discussion, PZA members recommended adding a reference to the county noise ordinance as an additional operating standard before the amendment moves forward.
Agency members also raised concerns about locations where commercial properties are adjacent to neighborhoods. Staff said the separation requirements and hours of operation were intended to provide compatibility protections.
The recommendation now moves to the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners for a final public hearing and adoption vote scheduled for Aug. 18.