Report Prepared by: Sam Rashe, Planning Manager, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Food Trucks in Fixed Locations Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the adoption of an urgency ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on the: Acceptance, processing, approval, or issuance of any new permits, entitlements, approvals, or land use authorizations for food trucks operating in fixed locations pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Chapter 20.44.020.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Temporary Moratorium and Amend Merced Municipal Code (MMC) Chapter 20.44.020; and,
B. Adopting Ordinance 2593, An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, establishing a temporary moratorium on new approvals for food trucks in fixed locations, pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Chapter 20.44.020, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858; or,
C. Directing staff to study and return with proposed amendments to Merced Municipal Code to establish a comprehensive framework governing food truck fixed locations.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
California Government Code Section 65858.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Protect public health, safety, and welfare.
DISCUSSION
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended approval of an Urgency Ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on food trucks in fixed locations to City Council.
Since adoption of MMC 20.44.020, the Planning Commission has approved 34 food-truck entitlements, including 26 single-use trucks and 8 multi-use locations. A significant number of approved locations-primarily those between 16th Street and 18th Street, from R Street east to MLK-have r...
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