For now, food trucks will be welcome in Gilroy and allowed to operate freely as long as they follow the rules.
Technically, Gilroy already has a law on the books regulating food trucks, but the 18-year-old ordinance was designed with ice cream trucks in mind – requiring background checks and for food vendors to move every 10 minutes.
But Monday night, the Gilroy City Council unanimously approved a pilot program that is less restrictive to the delight of food truck vendors and business owners who filled city City Hall, waving neon-colored handmade signs with “Support Local Businesses/Support Food Trucks” and “We Bring Business Downtown.”
“The point of the pilot program is this is the time that we get feedback from the community,” said Mayor Greg Bozzo. “Our goal today is not to make this restrictive so that they can adapt.”
For most of the past year, the city had allowed food trucks to operate without much intervention, not enforcing the outdated law while it came up with an updated plan to regulate food trucks. Early last month, however, the council told city staff to start enforcing violations, citing concerns with food trucks taking up parking spaces or competing with restaurants downtown.
The move drew public ire from foodies, food truck owners, and some downtown businesses.
“Over the last couple of weeks, there has been a substantial decline in the amount of people in downtown,” said Matthew Gallion, owner of Pour Me taproom in downtown Gilroy, who said that the city has lost revenue and tax dollars as vendors take their business elsewhere. “They’ve got other cities that are more friendly to food trucks. That’s an opportunity that we’re missing out on.”
Food truck vendors argued that they make up an essential part of downtown. “We care about our community and supporting downtown,” said Melanie Mondragon, owner of Mariscos El Patron food truck. “We have seen how lively it gets because we are there. Being in downtown attracts more people and it gives a different vibe.”
Some, however, stressed the need to hold existing businesses in the balance. “You’ve got businesses downtown that have literally spent millions of dollars … to create a world class restaurant, a great watering hole,” said Jeff Orth of the Downtown Business Association, calling for “consideration for the brick and mortar” businesses, even while setting up space for food trucks.
At the meeting, Gilroy City Council crafted a plan to address these concerns, arguing that it was key to bringing economic activity to the city – a core focus of the new council.
For the first 60 days, the pilot will allow food trucks to operate immediately in the city if they have the required county and state paperwork and have begun their application for the city’s permits. After that, the city will require food trucks to have a Gilroy business license, costing $100, and a mobile vendor license, costing $158.
“We want to get people working,” said Councilmember Terence Fugazzi.“If they have the health permit and the state sellers permit they can go right ahead.”
Though the new program limits food trucks along Monterey and side streets in the city’s downtown core, it does set up some designated areas downtown and allows for private businesses to invite the food trucks to their property. As of now, food trucks will be allowed to operate until 2 a.m. in the center of downtown at the 5th street parking lot; 12 a.m. on private property; and 10 p.m. in designated areas that are closer to residential zones – on Eigleberry Road and Gourmet Alley.
Those interested in more information or applying for a permit can contact Economic Development Coordinator Victoria Valencia at Victoria.valencia@cityofgilroy.org.