A.

These regulations describe what is allowed, what is required and where a food truck and trailer vendor is allowed to operate, with proper zoning and operations permits, within the Parish of Ascension. These regulations are aimed to help foster an aesthetically appealing streetscape and help reduce potential dangerous traffic conditions, all for the promotion and protection of the public health, safety, and welfare.

1.

Food Truck and Trailer Vendor's License.

a.

A food truck and trailer vendor's license shall be required to conduct business within the Parish of Ascension and shall comply with all zoning and operational requirements as established by this Code, as well as all other applicable ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations of the Parish of Ascension and State of Louisiana, unless exempt as follows:

i.

Food truck and trailer vendors operating on private or parish-owned property under an approved special event permit such as a fair, carnival, festival, or similar transitory gathering, for which a sponsor or promoter has paid an occupational license tax or when the sponsor or promoter is exempt from the payment of an occupational license tax.

ii.

Food truck and trailer vendors operating on private or parish-owned property under an approved special event permit sponsored by nonprofit organizations for any religious, charitable, patriotic, educational or philanthropic event, lasting four days or less in duration.

iii.

Food truck and trailer vendors operating on private or parish-owned property under an approved special event permit held at least six times a year for any for-profit event, including but not limited to festivals, gun shows, arts and crafts fairs, antique shows, flea markets, vendor markets or other similar transitory gathering, for which the sponsor or promoter:

(1)

Has paid an occupational license tax under the requirements of the Ascension Parish Code;

(2)

Owns the premises or has a lease thereof for at least one year;

(3)

Has obtained a certificate of occupancy for the premises or special event permit; and

(4)

Has provided all vendors with applications and notice of the requirement to register with the Ascension Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission and to collect and remit sales tax, and has provided the commission with the contact information of all vendors.

iv.

Catering of a private event with the express written consent of the property owner.

b.

The Planning and Development Department shall develop a food truck and trailer application packet which combines land use and zoning requirements, as well as all other applicable ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations of the Parish and State of Louisiana as the Zoning Official may require.

c.

All food truck and trailer vendor's license requests shall be referred to the Ascension Parish Health Department, Parish Finance Department, Sheriff's Department, Public Works Department, and/or Fire Prevention for review prior to approval, as applicable.

d.

A food truck and trailer vendor's license shall be displayed on the food truck and trailer vendor's vehicle at all times in a conspicuous place where it can be readily viewed by the general public.

e.

A food truck and trailer vendor's license is required to be renewed annually.

f.

A food truck and trailer vendor's license that has been issued by the City of Gonzales will satisfy the parish's license requirements.

2.

Zoning and Location Restrictions.

a.

Unless otherwise exempt from the requirements of this appendix, a food truck and trailer vendor shall only operate in allowable zoning districts as indicated on the Use Matrix in Appendix I, Zoning Tables, of this Code.

b.

Food truck and trailer vendors may conduct business within the parish's public right-of-way provided they operate per the requirements of chapter 13, article XV of the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances.

c.

A property owner can allow multiple mobile food vehicles to occupy their lot at the same time, within the time limitations specified in subsection 17-501.A.6.i.2. All parish development ordinances must be followed for development of commercial property. The maximum number of food trucks per lot is limited as follows:

i.

Maximum of two food truck and trailer vendors on lots of one-half acre or less;

ii.

Maximum of three food truck and trailer vendors on lots between one-half acre and one acre;

iii.

Maximum of four food truck and trailer vendors on lots greater than one acre.

d.

Five or more food truck and trailer vendors are only allowed to operate on a single lot if:

i.

Operating under an approved food truck park and shall comply with the use requirements and restrictions for food truck parks.

e.

Food truck and trailer vendors must be located at least 100 feet from the main entrance to any eating establishment or similar food service business and 100 feet from any outdoor dining area as measured from the designated location on the lot accommodating the food truck.

f.

Food truck and trailer vendors shall not conduct business on any property zoned for or occupied by a single-family or two-family residence, unless they are operating as part of:

i.

The catering of a private event;

ii.

The service to an active construction site;

iii.

A special event on the property of a school; or

iv.

A special event for any parish-recognized neighborhood/homeowner's association.

3.

Operational Standards and Limitations.

a.

In addition to food and drink, food truck and trailer vendor may only sell goods, wares, or other items of promotional merchandise that are directly affiliated with the food truck and trailer vendor.

b.

All food truck and trailer vendors must park on a durable all-weather material, such as concrete or asphalt.

c.

Any food truck and trailer and its associated seating, if any, shall not occupy parking spaces required to fulfill the minimum requirements of the principal use, unless the principal use's hours of operation do not coincide with those of the food truck and trailer business. Likewise, any food truck and trailer and its associated seating, if any, shall not occupy parking spaces that may be leased to other businesses and uses to fulfill their minimum parking requirements.

d.

Any associated outdoor seating must be removed after operating hours and must not be stored, parked, or left overnight on any public street or sidewalk.

e.

Food truck and trailers must not occupy or prevent access to any handicapped accessible parking.

f.

Under no circumstances can liquid waste or grease be released or disposed of in tree pits, storm drains or onto the sidewalks, streets, or other public space. Any and all waste shall be contained within the food truck and/or trailer and disposed of legally off site. If at any time evidence of the improper disposal of liquid waste or grease is discovered, the food truck and trailer vendor license will be revoked and the food truck and trailer vendor will be required to cease operation immediately. The operator of the food truck and trailer business may be issued a citation for such a violation.

g.

Food trucks and trailers shall be located at least ten feet from the edge of any driveway or public sidewalk, handicapped ramp, building entrances and exit, emergency access/exit way, fire lane, or emergency call box and must not locate within any area of the lot that impedes, endangers, or interferes with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

h.

There shall be no restriction of visibility area sight distance at any driveway or intersection.

i.

Food truck and trailer vendors shall not use a hibachi, grill, or other similar device for cooking, heating, or any other similar purpose within 10 feet of any building or building overhang.

j.

Food trucks and trailers must be located a minimum distance of 15 feet in all directions of a fire hydrant and any fire department connection, utility box or vault and never within any fire lane or emergency access point.

k.

All food truck and trailer vendors, amenities, including but not limited to restrooms, tables, chairs and shade structures and other site improvements shall be identified on the food truck and trailer vendor's license application and shall be in accordance with this Code.

l.

The food truck and trailer vendor is responsible for the proper disposal of waste and trash associated with the operation and shall be equipped with a portable trash receptacle placed near the unit that does not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Parish trash receptacles are not to be used for this purpose. Vendors must remove all waste and trash from their approved location at the end of each day or as needed to maintain the health and safety of the public.

m.

With the exception for the trash and any associated outdoor seating areas, all equipment required for the operation must be contained within, attached to or within five feet of the food truck and trailer and all food preparation, storage, and sales/distribution made in compliance with all applicable Parish and State Health Department sanitary regulations.

n.

A drive-through is not permitted in conjunction with any food truck and trailer vendor.

o.

No signage shall be allowed other than signs permanently attached to the food truck or trailer and one portable menu sign with a changeable face no more than six square feet in display area on the ground in the customer waiting area.

p.

All food truck and trailers must be maintained in mobile condition. No food truck and trailer may be parked or stored in such manner as to create a dangerous or unsafe condition on the lot where it is parked or stored.

q.

No food truck and trailer may be used for living or sleeping purposes in any district.

r.

All food truck and trailers shall maintain compliance with the parish's noise ordinance, chapter 14, article III, noise, in the Code of Ordinances.

s.

No lighting, except localized lighting that is used on or in the food truck for the purpose of inside food preparation and menu illumination.

t.

A food truck shall be enclosed except for doors and windows, shall be constructed of high-quality materials, and shall be kept clean and in good repair.

u.

Nothing provided herein shall exempt or preclude compliance with all other provisions of the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances, International Building Code, or other requirements (e.g., Fire Department) to protect health, safety and general welfare.

v.

Food truck and trailer vendors shall be secondary to an existing primary use on the property.

4.

Violation, Suspension/Revocation, and Enforcement.

a.

The Zoning Official or Planning and Development Director is authorized to revoke a food truck and trailer vendor's license that has been issued by the Parish of Ascension and the Zoning Official or Planning and Development Director is authorized to request that the City of Gonzales revoke a food truck and trailer vendor's license if he or she determines that the vendor's operations are violating any of the zoning and/or operational requirements as established by this Code. They may also issue any zoning violations to the property owner where the food truck vendor is operating.

b.

Authorized personnel from the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, as well as any of the Ascension Parish Fire Districts or the Gonzales Fire District, may issue citations if he or she determines that the vendor's operations are violating any applicable ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations of the Parish of Ascension and/or the State of Louisiana. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be issued a citation, which shall be paid in the same manner as provided for offenders of local traffic violations.

c.

Any food truck and trailer vendor's license will become void if the vendor's health permit has been suspended or revoked.

5.

Food Truck Park.

a.

A food truck park is a permitted use in all zoning districts as indicated on the Use Matrix in Appendix I of this Code and requires a special use permit. A food truck park shall require a certificate of occupancy and be subject to the following requirements:

i.

General Regulations.

(1)

All food truck parks shall comply with all the requirements of this Code, chapter 2, article IX of the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances, as well as all other applicable ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations of the City of Gonzales and State of Louisiana.

(2)

At no point shall a food truck park remain open for 24 hours. Hours of operation are limited to 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.

(3)

If a food truck park is proposed on a site that requires a new utility connection or if a permanent structure is being constructed, the property shall be on a legally platted lot pursuant to Appendix IV of this Code.

(4)

The commercial design standards in Appendix II of this Code shall apply to any permanent structure on the site. These standards do not apply to any individual food truck and trailer vendor.

(5)

The property owner, or his/her designated manager, of the food truck park shall be responsible for the orderly organization of all food truck and trailer vendors, the cleanliness of the park, and the park's compliance with all rules and regulations.

(6)

A food truck and trailer license is required for a food truck and trailer vendor operating in a food truck park as per subsection 17-2051.A.1.

ii.

Food Truck Park Dimensional Standards.

(1)

The number of food truck and trailer vendor spaces allowed at the food truck park shall be calculated at one vendor space per 1,000 square feet of lot space. The minimum number of vendor spaces shall be two. The maximum number of vendor spaces allowed on any site shall be limited to ten, except that a request may be made to the Zoning Official or Planning and Development Director to approve an alternative number of vendors spaces. Vendor spaces do not need to be occupied at all times, but they must be shown and designed during the site plan process.

(2)

Only one food truck and trailer vendor is permitted to occupy each vendor space at the food truck park.

(3)

No food truck and trailer vendor, permanent structures, or seating areas shall be located within the required building setbacks of the applicable zoning district.

(4)

There shall be a minimum of five feet of separation between each individual food truck and trailer vendor, and a minimum of 15 feet of separation between any food truck and trailer and a permanent on-site structure.

(5)

A food truck and trailer vendor shall remain outside of a required fire lane, be located near a fire hydrant and shall not block access to a Fire Department connection (FDC).

(6)

No vehicle drive-through services shall be permitted within a food truck park.

(7)

During hours of operation, each food truck and trailer vendor shall be responsible for providing a trash receptacle for use by customers and shall ensure the area is kept clear of litter and debris at all times. A common dumpster may be provided within the food truck park if the dumpster is screened.

(8)

Any food truck park may establish or utilize a permanent structure for indoor seating, entertainment venue, or similar purposes provided the structures comply with all applicable requirements, including but not limited to building and fire department requirements.

iii.

Required Site Plan.

(1)

A detailed site plan shall be required for the approval of any food truck park. At a minimum, the site plan must show the location, and detail, of the following items:

(a)

Each food truck and trailer vendor space with appropriate separation distances;

(b)

Outdoor grills, fryers, and smoker pad sites;

(c)

Utility connections, including electric, gas, water, and sewer;

(d)

On-site lighting;

(e)

Activity areas, including playground, movie screen, stage or similar areas;

(f)

Restrooms and hand washing facilities;

(g)

Designated customer seating areas;

(h)

ADA access to parking, vendors, and restrooms;

(i)

Proposed parking areas including on-site and off-site spaces;

(j)

Fire lanes and fire truck routes;

(k)

Dumpsters and service vehicle access for waste removal, moving vendor trailers, etc.

(l)

A drainage impact study shall be prepared to ensure that any stormwater and drainage improvements needs are met.

(m)

A traffic impact study shall be prepared to ensure that any traffic improvements that are needed are being met.

(2)

Access to a food truck park shall be through a single, all-weather surface driveway directly connected to a public street, with a maximum driveway width of 35 feet. Where on-site parking is proposed near a driveway, a minimum throat distance of 50 feet shall be provided unless otherwise reduced by the Parish Engineering Review Agency or the Parish Transportation Engineer.

(3)

All food truck and trailer vendors shall not be parked on unimproved surfaces and at a minimum be parked on compacted gravel base.

(4)

Any outdoor fryer, grill, and smoker that is proposed to be placed outside a food truck and trailer vendor shall be placed on an approved all-weather material, such as concrete or asphalt, and identified on the site plan.

(5)

Venues for live music, art performances, movies or similar activities shall be subject to the provisions provided herein, with the proposed location identified on the site plan.

(6)

In order to improve safety, individual electrical generators shall be prohibited. All electrical services necessary to serve a food truck and trailer vendor or food truck park shall be provided through permanent on-site connections. Aerial electrical line extensions shall be prohibited.

(7)

Individual electric service outlets with connection boxes shall be installed at each space through approved underground utility line extensions, unless approved by the Zoning Official or Planning and Development Director.

(8)

Customer seating shall be provided at a minimum rate of four seats per individual vendor, and may be grouped within the food truck park. Seating areas may be located within a permanent building or under a shade structure, provided said building or structure meets all minimum building and fire code requirements. Where outdoor seating is proposed, the surface shall consist of turf grass, crushed granite, pavement, mulch, or other improved surface.

(9)

All food truck parks shall be in compliance with all other provisions of this Code, International Building Code, or other requirements (e.g., Fire Department, Health Department) to protect health, safety and general welfare.

iv.

Lighting.

(1)

On-site lighting shall be provided within a food truck park and shall be in accordance with exterior lighting standards found in Appendix II, section 17-2088, with exception that string lights shall be permitted throughout a food truck park when a colored or warm white light is utilized. String lights shall adhere to the UL standards and shall not be placed in a manner which would establish a safety issue.

v.

Parking.

(1)

The required number of off-street parking spaces shall be calculated at a rate of two parking spaces per food truck and trailer vendor, provided however that an alternate parking plan may be completed and approved by the Zoning Official or Planning and Development Director.

(2)

If the site plan identifies available space on-site for employees and/or towing vehicles to park, then the Zoning Official or Planning and Development Director may approve a reduced number of required parking spaces.

vi.

Signage.

(1)

One monument sign shall be permitted for the entrance to the food truck park. The sign shall comply with all applicable sign requirements found in Appendix II, section 17-2086.

(2)

Each food truck and trailer vendor within a food truck park may have signs mounted to their vehicle and/or trailer.

(3)

Each food truck and trailer vendor within a food truck park may have one "A-frame" sign, not to exceed three feet in height, immediately adjacent to their vehicle for the purpose of displaying a menu or special advertisement.

(4)

If the food truck park is located within any special zoning district, additional standards may apply pursuant to the requirements of that zoning district.

vii.

Restroom Facilities.

(1)

Each food truck park shall provide facilities to accommodate for a minimum of two restrooms. Temporary portable restroom facilities may be considered as part of the special use approval.

(2)

The restroom facilities should be equipped with hand washing facilities, or at a minimum, hand sanitation stations shall be provided near the restroom facility and throughout the food truck park.

viii.

Venues.

(1)

Playgrounds, movie areas, stages for musical or art performances, or similar, are encouraged within a food truck park. Said areas shall be oriented away from neighboring uses to reduce noise and light, and potential nuisance.

(2)

Any food truck park shall comply with chapter 13, article XV of the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances.

ix.

Landscaping.

(1)

All food truck parks shall meet the landscaping requirements of section 17-2082 of this Code.

(2)

Food truck parks adjacent to single-family zoned property shall provide a landscape buffer per the requirements of section 17-2084 of this Code.

(3)

Park owners are encouraged to provide for an aesthetically-pleasing environment within the park, which includes shade and seating elements in addition to pervious groundcover.

(4)

The Zoning Official or Planning and Development Director may allow for alternative compliance as it pertains to landscaping requirements.

(Ord. of 2-20-2025(1), Exh. A)