Food truck owners want lessened regulations in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mobile food truck owners want Charlotte officials to lessen regulations on their business.

David Stuck opened the Tin Kitchen food truck when he moved to Charlotte from Portland, Ore.

"Food trucks like this really add to the vibrancy of a city and the rules do need to be loosened up so people can enjoy them during evening activities," said customer Ellen Engelhardt.

Stuck said stiff city rules can sometimes make business stale.

Food trucks can't park with 400 feet of another truck, restaurant or residence.

"If you're parking right in front of their entrance that can cause problems with taking business from them," said customer Edwin Thompson.

Mobile food vendors can only operate between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

"You have people coming out of bars and they are frequently hungry." said Stuck.  "We could  service that."

Food trucks also must buy monthly permits and change location every 30 days.

The city created the rules in 2008 after residents expressed concerns about traffic, trash and safety.

"At the last city meeting there were people saying prostitution was rampant at the trucks," said Stuck.  "I don't know what trucks they're going to, but I've never seen that at any truck."

Food truck owners are asking for less regulation.

"I hope they look at it as an opportunity to create another cool thing about Charlotte," said Stuck.

City leaders want residents to weigh in first.

Officials will hold a meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Government Center.

Council should make a decision on the rules this summer.

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