Effective immediately, food trucks can legally sell their street fare in Boulder — with some limitations.
In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the City Council approved a new set of rules allowing food trucks to operate on private property with the permission of the owners in industrial, business, mixed-use and downtown zoning districts.
The trucks are also allowed to operate in public rights-of-way in industrial zones — located mostly in east Boulder and the Gunbarrel area — or as part of an organized special event such as the Boulder Creek Festival or block parties.
The council approved the rules as an emergency ordinance, meaning the rules go into effect right away.
The council also made an exception for food trucks to operate at the Boulder Municipal Airport.
Councilwoman KC Becker advocated for allowing food trucks at certain city parks. The council approved the use of food trucks at North Boulder Park, which will serve as something of a pilot program for how the trucks work at city parks while staffers develop rules for other specific locations.
“I don’t see any reason why we don’t try one” park, Mayor Susan Osborne said.
The council strengthened a rule that keeps the trucks away from brick-and-mortar restaurants by extending the buffer between the two from 100 feet to 150 feet. That move effectively prohibits food trucks from operating along the Pearl Street Mall, and in some other downtown areas.
The trucks must also stay at least 150 feet away from residential areas and 200 feet away from other food trucks while in public places. The trucks will be allowed to operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. They will not be allowed to sell alcohol or put out tables or chairs.
“I think it’s a really good start,” said Councilman Matt Appelbaum.
Rayme Rossello, owner of the Comida food truck, offers upscale Mexican fare from inside her converted pink delivery truck.
She praised the council for moving on rules to allow food trucks in Boulder.
“The growth of mobile vending … has very much helped change the understanding of what mobile vending can look and taste like,” she said.
She said food trucks will add to Boulder’s variety and social flavor.
“Thanks for this opportunity, and I’m really excited for it,” she said.
Contact Camera Staff Writer Heath Urie at 303-473-1328 or [email protected].
