St. Johns County commissioners unanimously approved new rules for food truck parks in unincorporated areas Sept. 15.

The five-member board, led by Chair Clay Murphy, voted 5-0 to adopt the ordinance, designated LDCA26-05. It amends the county's Land Development Code to allow food truck parks in Highway Commercial, High Intensity Commercial and Rural Commercial zoning districts. The ordinance also permits individual food trucks as a temporary use in nonresidential zones for events like farmers markets, limited to three days per event.

Action News Jax first reported the vote, with one commissioner calling the result a good compromise.

Operating Hours Widened After Public Comment

Under the new rules, food truck parks can operate between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. That window was widened during the review process. At the July 21 first reading, commissioners heard public comment and changed the originally proposed hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the county staff report.

What Qualifies As A Food Truck Park

Three or more trucks on one parcel make a food truck park. Parks must include permanent seating, restrooms and sanitary facilities.

New Standards Address Neighborhood Concerns

The ordinance sets specific standards meant to address neighborhood concerns:

• Individual food trucks must sit at least 100 feet from any residential structure.
• Trucks must be separated by at least 10 feet, or the minimum required by the National Fire Protection Association, whichever is greater.
• Parks must provide at least three seats per food truck in a designated eating area.
• A minimum of five parking spaces is required. Beyond that, parking follows the restaurant standard of one space per three seats.
• Each truck must have at least one trash receptacle, and the park must provide central waste storage.
• Water and wastewater connections, including grease interceptors, are required.
• Sidewalks and restrooms must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Staff Report Found No Business Impact

Jacob Smith, the county's planning division manager, prepared the staff report for the ordinance. The county's business impact estimate found no direct detrimental economic impact on private businesses from the new rules.

Commission Directed Review Process In May

The commission first directed staff to update food truck park regulations at its May 5 meeting. Commissioners Christian Whitehurst, Sarah Arnold, Krista Joseph and Vice Chair Ann Taylor joined Murphy in the unanimous vote. The Planning and Zoning Agency reviewed the proposal on Aug. 6 before the commission's final action.

The ordinance takes effect when a certified copy is filed with the Florida Department of State.