Hungry in Atwater? It’s official — food trucks are coming to the city
After a longtime ban, food trucks can now get permits to set up shop in Atwater.
The City Council passed an ordinance Monday permitting mobile food vendors to operate within city limits, with some exceptions.
“It’s a good thing that it’s finally going to change,” said Councilmember Brian Raymond, who is credited as the driving force behind the change. For years, a local ordinance had blocked food trucks from the city.
Raymond was supported by numerous requests from the public, business professionals, City Council members and the planning commission over the last two to three years, as support to change the ordinance grew.
“The opportunities are endless,” Raymond said, adding that City Council often hears residents complain of a lack of places to eat. Soon, he said there will be more options available and a whole new dining style in Atwater.
What the new law allows
Thirty days from the ordinance’s passing, business owners may apply for a conditional use permit to sell food from vehicles, motorized carts and trailers.
There are some exceptions, however, in terms of where the trucks can go. Mobile food vendors may only operate in industrial, light industrial and business park zones of the city to avoid encroaching on existing brick-and-mortar businesses.
Those permitted areas are in the greatest need for more dining choices, said Atwater Mayor Paul Creighton. Employees working in those parts of Atwater have limited accessibility to food, several city officials said. Food trucks will make it easier for individuals to eat during short lunch breaks.
“I’m super excited,” Creighton said, noting that food trucks will change and improve Atwater’s vibe. Food vendors of all kinds are encouraged, he said.
Creighton said it’s up to the community to determine the environment created by this new dining option. He would like to see food competitions or other creative ideas from vendors and locals.
Vendors will be regulated by the Merced County Health Department. Creighton noted that the new ordinance will “give us some teeth” against unregulated illegal food vendors.
