News

Cedar Rapids, Iowa evaluates its new food truck regulations

February 19, 2018

The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is assessing its first year after revising its mobile food vendor regulations, according to The Gazette.

Operators have offered mixed views about the regulations. The rules prohibit food trucks from operating between 2 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and within 100 feet of a restaurant entrance. They also establish standards for parking, trash cleanup, noise and fumes.

Truck fees were raised from $150 to $300 a year in fiscal 2016, and to $550 a year last year. The city collected $12,870 in licensing fees in fiscal 2017, nearly triple the $4,300 in fiscal 2016. 

There were 28 mobile food vendors, including 24 food trucks, licensed in Cedar Rapids in fiscal 2017, compared to 19 in 2016.

Phoebe Rios, who operates Rio Burritos food truck, thinks the fee is too high and would like the city to post a list of licensed food trucks online so she can make sure her competitors are paying the same fees. 

Oupekha Baccam, who operates the Street Food Fighter food truck, said the ordinance is clear and the fees are fair.