Food truck operators can serve customers with a side of approval in Bradenton Beach.
City commissioners Sept. 5 held a second public hearing and final reading of an ordinance on food truck operations.
City attorney Ricinda Perry provided an overview of changes to the proposed ordinance based on commissioner input at an Aug. 1 meeting.
One addition is the prohibition of marijuana dispensary trucks based on a policy review by the police department.
Another change involves the use of meters to measure noise generated by equipment, specifically generators. Perry said noise levels would be measured at 10 feet, with 60 decibels being the standard.
“From what I’ve read, 60 decibels is as loud as a normal conversation between two people,” she said.
During a first reading in August, commissioners reached a consensus on several points, including barring food trucks from operating in the Cortez Beach parking lot, between Fourth Street South and the 1300 block of Gulf Drive South.
Additionally, the commission mandated that food trucks be located within at least 200 feet of public restrooms and required operators to display “No Smoking” signs.
Other ordinance guidelines include:
- A food truck parked in a private lot cannot reduce the available parking below the minimum required for standard site operations;
- A mobile food vending service cannot be located within 25 feet of a street intersection or pedestrian crosswalk unless a special event permit is obtained or it is part of a city-approved site plan;
- Overnight parking of a food truck on public property is prohibited without written city permission;
- Food trucks and property owners are equally responsible for trash and waste disposal;
- Food trucks may operate 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
- The proposal includes a penalty for violations with a fine of up to $500 per offense.
Under the proposed ordinance, food trucks must display proof of insurance, as well as necessary licenses and permits from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, the Florida Department of Health and the local fire marshal.
As of Sept. 6, there were two food trucks known to be operating in Bradenton Beach, both on properties owned by developer Shawn Kaleta.
A Lobster Made Easy truck on the corner of Gulf Drive and Bridge Street operates in Kaleta’s parking lot within 25 feet of an intersection and pedestrian crosswalk and might be in violation of the city’s newly minted law.
Another food truck, Harbor Light Grill, operates at the Bradenton Beach Marina.
Perry, speaking to The Islander Sept. 6, said vendors would be allowed some time to achieve compliance under the new regulations.
Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to adopt the ordinance and was seconded by Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce. The motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh left the meeting before the vote and Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent.