Independent Operators

Hermiston, Oregon loosens food truck regulations

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September 20, 2024

Hermiston, Oregon announced it was loosening some of the restrictions on food trucks in the city. The city council adjusted the rules when operators complained there weren't enough places to park their trucks, according to a report by OPB.

Under the previous restrictions, food trucks were not permitted to be located within 400 feet of a restaurant or another food truck, and they could only be painted white or a neutral color. They also couldn't operate between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

With the new rules, the buffer zone was removed along with painting requirements. However, the city will only issue six licenses for trailers, with exceptions for vendors at special events or worksites.

Council members were concerned about aesthetics, along with food trucks crowding up the Main Street, but not everyone agreed.

"Having a bunch of them down on Main Street, that's going to get shoppers up and down Main Street," Councilor Nancy Peterson said during the meeting. "That sounds great. The way this culture of food trucks is rolling out and seeing the benefits in many other cities, I think this is a great option."