Jacksonville city leaders have approved changes to local development rules that will make it easier for food trucks to operate within city limits.
During a March 17 City Council meeting, council members voted to approve a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendment along with a related fee schedule change following a public hearing.
What changed
City planning staff said the amendment updates regulations for mobile food vendors by:
Removing the 250-foot spacing requirement between food trucks, restaurants and residential areasClarifying hours of operation rulesEliminating separate signage rules, instead applying the same signage standards used for other businesses
Officials said the goal is to support entrepreneurial development and small business growth while maintaining consistent standards across the city.
Where food trucks can operate
City leaders confirmed that food trucks will still be limited to certain zoning districts.
Planning Director Ryan King told council the vendors will be allowed in corridor commercial and industrial zones, similar to traditional restaurants.
Food trucks must also:
Receive permission from the property ownerComply with existing operational standardsOperate during the same hours as the primary business, generally between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m.
The changes do not impact food trucks operating at special events, which are governed by separate rules.
Planning board and discussion
The Jacksonville Planning Advisory Board previously recommended approval of the amendment in a 3-2 vote.
Council members discussed concerns about spacing requirements and impacts on existing businesses, but staff noted that most of the ordinance’s standards — including safety and operational rules — remain in place.
Officials also noted that earlier versions of the ordinance were adopted as a pilot program in 2021, and the new changes reflect how the industry has evolved.
Final approval
After opening and closing the public hearing with no speakers, council members voted to approve both the ordinance amendment and the updated fee schedule.
City staff said the changes are consistent with local planning goals and are intended to encourage economic activity while maintaining oversight of mobile vendors.