Eliminates Food Truck Hubs and Allows Vendors to Operate in Numerous Locations Within the County
The Prince George’s County Council recently passed the most comprehensive Food Truck legislation in the history of the County. The legislation (CB-053-2022) eliminates food truck hubs and allows vendors to operate in numerous locations within the County, with explicit permission from the property owner or property manager.
The Food Truck Committee was instrumental in escalating the concerns of accessibility for food truck operations in Prince George's County. The committee worked tirelessly with the Economic Development Organization, County agencies, and elected officials to advocate for the legislation that brings more food access to Prince George's County and economic development to our food and beverage service community.
Councilmember Jolene Ivey (Councilmanic District 5) spearheaded the effort, noting that the County’s food truck hub system significantly limited operational access for the food truck community. This initiative took nearly four years, with many meetings and negotiations by the County’s Food Truck Hub Oversight Committee, various departments, agencies, and the County Executive’s staff.
The new legislation, which takes effect in early December (45 days after passage of the legislation), allows, with permission from the property owner or manager, food trucks to operate in:
Office and Business Parks
Industrial and Employment Parks
Commercial Areas and Retail Shopping Centers
Properties of Faith-based Organizations, Membership Pools, and Non-Profit Organizations
Agricultural Facilities such as Wineries, Farms, and Orchards (with adequate running potable water & sewage disposal)
Food Halls, Farmers Markets, and Other Temporary Food Associated Venues
Active Construction Sites
County, State, and Federal Facilities Open to the Public
Golf Courses and Dog Parks
All food truck vendors are still required to acquire a Mobile Food Permit and have their vehicles inspected by the Fire and Health Departments prior to vending in the County. Operation of food trucks in any public right-of-way not expressly authorized by the legislation is still strictly prohibited.
To kick off this new legislation, a public event will be held at a later date to welcome back local food truck vendors, many whose sales were dramatically affected by the COVID Pandemic.
“The passage of this historic legislation is great step in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our Food Truck community by expanding the vending opportunities in the County," said David Iannucci, President and CEO, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. Our vendors seek to live, work and play in the County they love, and this legislation provides the pathway to success for our local business. A healthy, thriving food truck community is an integral part of a solid pipeline of commercial development with our food service providers and creates an amenity destination for our county residents.”
Readers can find the entire text of the legislation HERE