Chapel Hill finalizes plan that could allow food trucks

The Chapel Hill Town Council finalized on Monday details of a plan, set to be voted on this January, that could allow food trucks in the town.

The council tackled long-standing issues concerning the trucks, including costs of enforcement and methods for making sure sales tax revenue from the trucks stays in the county despite the fact that many are connected to out-of-town establishments.

Some say introducing food trucks to the town would meet the council’s goal of encouraging new businesses and diversifying the town’s economy and employment.

“I hope the ordinance passes because it will provide more job opportunities,” said UNC sophomore Ajmal Khalid. “We definitely need that in this economy, and it would be good for the town as a whole.”

But enforcing new regulations and monitoring the trucks could cost the town, said Town Manager Roger Stancil.

The council discussed the cost of enforcing the new rules, the increase in police personnel and staff time from the town’s planning, inspections and legal departments the measure would necessitate.

“The dilemma is that food trucks are not an 8 to 5, Monday through Friday operation,” Stancil said. “If we’re going to enforce this, then we need enforcement officers 24 hours a day.”

Costs would be covered by the food trucks’ zoning permit application fee, which the current draft sets at $118. But some council members are worried that won’t be enough to defray expenses.

The council also discussed the problem of retaining tax revenue.

“I know there’s been concern about taxes, but I faithfully pay my annual sales tax, as do all the other food truck vendors that I know,” said Jody Argote, owner of Parlez-Vous Crepe in Carrboro.

But business owners said that even if food truck owners pay, taxes might go to other counties where they are headquartered.

Some restaurant owners also worry the trucks could pose new competition for their businesses.

The draft proposes ways to decrease competition between trucks and permanent shops.

Those include keeping the trucks at least 100 feet away from restaurant entrances and not allowing them to offer seating.

Differences between the food and dining experiences trucks and restaurants offer were also cited as reasons the two won’t compete.

Council member Donna Bell said the food trucks bring variety and innovation to Chapel Hill.

“They are spaces for us to have new food experiences. They don’t have to complete a full menu, they can really specialize in one particular thing.”

Some residents have also voiced concern about sanitation. Under the proposal, the trucks will be required to obtain a permit from the county health department before being allowed to sell in Chapel Hill.

Food trucks are already permitted in Carrboro, Durham, Raleigh and Hillsborough.

Contact the City Editor at city@dailytarheel.com.