TO: Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich Jr., County Administrator
FROM: Brandon C. Creagan, LEED Green Associate; Chief, Current Development
DATE: February 25, 2026
SUBJECT: Consideration of Staff-Initiated Land Development Regulation (LDR) Amendments to Create Allowances and Regulations for Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (Food Trucks) [Legislative]
BACKGROUND
Since the early 1990’s, Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (or food trucks) in Unincorporated Indian River County have generally been limited to special events and certain specific areas of the County (such as the Gifford Farmers Market area which was created in 2016).
Over the past few years, food trucks have become more popular and common throughout the state and country. Also, in 2020 and 2023, the State of Florida adopted certain statutes that preempt local governments from imposing their own licensing or fees; however, local governments may regulate food trucks with respect to location (zoning), hours of operation, site compatibility, and aesthetic standards. Therefore, staff has prepared a set of LDR amendments in order to create clearer allowances and regulations for food trucks.
ANALYSIS
At its regular meeting of January 13, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) considered a draft food trucks ordinance and directed staff to make several changes before returning to the BCC for final adoption. Also, through coordination with the County Attorney’s Office, two additional changes are proposed in this version of the food trucks ordinance. Those changes are summarized below, and no other changes have been made to the ordinance as presented.
The first change to the previous draft was to add the CG, Commercial General zoning district to the location and zoning standards, and to caveat that food trucks within the CG zoning district must locate on a principal site that is three acres or larger in size. The purpose of the three-acre site siz...
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