News

Iowa City tests new food truck rules

March 31, 2017

Food truck operators hope a pilot program not only fulfills late-night food cravings but can also expand downtown Iowa City's food truck culture, according to The Press Citizen.

Kyle Sieck, owner of the Local Burrito food truck and a founding member of the Iowa City Mobile Vending Association, said the late-night food truck pilot program, which kicked off at 10 p.m. Friday at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center parking lot, 220 S. Gilbert St., is the next step in creating a stronger street food culture.

The pilot program will build on lessons learned during the first city-supported pilot program in 2014. Sieck said although it wasn't a smashing success — turnout was relatively low — it did lead to the official organization of the local mobile vending association, which in turn worked with the Iowa City Council and brick-and-mortar restaurant owners to shape the city's food truck ordinance.

The current ordinance allows food truck vendors to park in 1- and 2-hour metered parking spaces around the city for up to three hours between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. but does not allow vendors to operate near the pedestrian mall, Northside Marketplace or within 150 feet of any restaurant.

The pilot program allows for expanded hours and locations: four food trucks will be allowed to operate on Fridays and Saturdays between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. at three rotating locations. On Fridays and Saturdays between April 7 and April 29, vendors will be on Clinton Street north of Market Street; from May 5 to June 3, vendors will be at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center parking lot; and from June 9 to June 23 on Dubuque Street between Jefferson Street and Iowa Avenue.