AURORA | The Aurora South Metro Small Business Development Center is holding a discussion for food truck operators on the city’s proposed regulations, which would limit the number of trucks at one location and outlines truck operation and storage requirements.
The guided conversation is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Mission Viejo Library, located at 15324 E. Hampden Circle. It will be an opportunity for vendors to give feedback on the proposed regulations and share their experiences operating in the city.
Register for the discussion at https://bit.ly/4jgg2oR.
Councilmember Angela Lawson sponsored the suggested regulations with the goal of addressing concerns with licensing, seating arrangements, waste disposal and placement and density.
The proposed changes would limit trucks to one for every 15,000 square feet, with a maximum of five trucks allowed per lot. Lots that are smaller than 15,000 square feet are allowed a single food truck. For trucks parked along streets, they must be spaced out 200 feet.
For special events, like the Aurora Globalfest or neighborhood block parties, the density limit for food trucks can be bypassed through a special use permit.
Another change would require trucks to be moved to a storage lot when they aren’t operating, which would prevent them from establishing a semi-permanent location.
The city could also allow trucks to open slightly earlier, at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., to accommodate early-morning workers and support breakfast and coffee trucks.
Currently, the city requires food trucks to have a city business license and a state food truck license. Trucks cannot park within 175 feet of a restaurant, unless they have permission from the restaurant, and must be at least 50 feet from residences. Hours are limited to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
County health departments are responsible for issuing Colorado retail food licenses and ensuring trucks meet health standards and conducting inspections. The Aurora Fire Department also inspects trucks for fire safety standards.
In conjunction with the new guidelines, city officials are working on legislation for food truck plazas, which would allow multiple trucks to co-locate in a more permanent location with amenities like bathrooms and a commercial kitchen.
The food truck plaza legislation is still being drafted.