TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Anthea Gianniotes, Development Services Director
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: June 2, 2026
Title
DISCUSSION REGARDING MOBILE FOOD TRUCKS
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Receive a presentation regarding the current regulations governing Mobile Food Trucks and provide direction regarding potential amendments.
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Background:
Chapter 120 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Delray Beach governs the operation and sale of food from Mobile Food Trucks (attached). Mobile food trucks are not allowed in residential zoning districts. They are allowed in most commercial zoning districts, with specific criteria for the Central Business District (CBD).
Some of the regulations that apply to Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (MFDV) include
1. A maximum duration of stay of 6 hours (CBD area exempt from this standard)
2. No selling or distributing alcoholic beverages.
3. No dining area.
4. Cannot operate in any City park, City parking lot, municipal beach, State Road A-1-A, other public rights-of-way, and in municipal cemeteries, unless otherwise approved by a separate agreement with the City.
Code of Ordinances 120.01(B)(1)(k)Central Business District (CBD):
To maintain the historic character and further support the restaurant and retail activity of the downtown area, Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (MFDVs) may only operate within the portion of the Central Core Sub-district located north of Lake Ida Road. Operation of a MFDV in this area is subject to the following:
1.MFDVs must comply with the provisions in this Chapter, unless otherwise amended in this subsection.
2.MFDVs are not subject to duration of stay restrictions in this Chapter and are limited to the hours of operation as the approved principle use(s) on the property.
3.MFDVs are not subject to the separation requirements from brick and mortar restaurants or outdoor dining areas, as specified in this Chapter.
4.MFDVs must be parked on an improved surface.
The location limit in the CBD is intended to prevent competition with brick and mortar restaurants located within the most walkable areas of downtown and to protect outdoor dining areas from potential impacts (exhaust, noise, etc.). The allowance to have food trucks in the CBD north of Lake Ida Road (see attached map) was approved via Ordinance No. 56-20.
Considerations for the City Commission include the following:
1. Should the area food trucks are allowed to operate within the CBD expand to include areas in the West Atlantic Neighborhood Sub-district, as suggested by The Set Master Plan?
2. Dining areas have been naturally incorporated overtime, and seem to be appreciated by patrons. Should the restriction be changed?
3. Should Food Trucks be allowed to operate from public parking spaces in some areas?
4. Is the duration of stay requirement necessary, when food trucks are located on private property?
Economic Prosperity Element
Objective ECP 2.1: Support efforts to strengthen the small business entrepreneurial ecosystem to provide for more in-area resources and services.
Objective ECP 5.1: Identify the barriers to an inclusive economy and develop a plan to address obstacles to increase employment opportunities and support entrepreneurship.
Policy ECP 5.2.2: Create a program to support local mobile businesses to operate within Delray Beach, with the business-types and limitations defined.
Policy ECP 5.5.8: Create incentives for businesses that sell fresh food in areas that are identified as food deserts.