Title
Ordinance To Amend And Re-Enact The Zoning Ordinance Of The City Of Hampton, Virginia By Amending Chapter 2, Section 2-2 Entitled “Definitions” to Add a Definition of “Food trucks” and Other Related Definitions
Purpose
Background Statement:
This amendment, if approved, would add the definitions of “food trucks” and “food truck operator” to the Zoning Ordinance. In 2022, City Council directed staff to bring forward amendments which would streamline and improve food trucks’ ability to operate in Hampton. This amendment in conjunction with six related amendments is staff’s effort to achieve that directive.
Currently, within the City Code, there is a definition of “mobile vendor” which would include food trucks, trailers, carts, and other mobile methods of selling food. The proposed definition within the Zoning Ordinance would capture all forms of mobile food vendors, to include food trucks which operate out of a trailer or cart. The term “food truck” is recommended to capture all of these forms of operation as it is the more colloquially understood term. Food truck operator is defined as the individual or entity required to obtain a food truck permit within Chapter 15 of city code.
If the set of seven zoning ordinance amendments are granted, “food truck host sites” would become a use within the Use Table, enabling operation of food trucks at various locations on property throughout Hampton. These proposed amendments focus on how food trucks may operate on properties throughout the city, and not within the right-of-way. Additional standards proposed would define where on the property and how the food trucks would be allowed to operate. There are also City Code amendments proposed for City Council consideration which would streamline the permitting and licensing process for food trucks by eliminating the peddler’s permit and clarifying that food trucks are allowed as part of neighborhood special events.
Recommendations:
Rec
Staff Recommendation:
Approve
Planning Commission Recommendation:
Pending
Body
WHEREAS, the public necessity, convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice so require;
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia that Chapter 2 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Hampton, Virginia, be amended and re-enacted as follows:
Chapter 2- DEFINITIONS
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Sec. 2-2. - Definitions.
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Food truck. A food establishment mounted on wheels (excluding boats in the water) readily moveable from place to place at all times during operation and shall include, but not be limited to, pushcarts, trailers, trucks, or vans. The facility, all operations, and all equipment must be integral to and be within or attached to the facility. A food truck shall be considered a “mobile food service facility” as defined by the city code.
Food truck operator. The individual or entity required to obtain a Food Truck Permit to operate a food truck per city code Chapter 15.
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