City of Tyler Approves Ordinances Allowing Food Trucks + Food Truck Parks

It's a great day for food lovers in Tyler.

The City of Tyler approved two ordinances on Wednesday (Dec. 10) that will allow food trucks and food truck parks to operate within the city.

According to a press release, the Tyler City Council passed two ordinances: the first that allows food truck parks to be used as a primary use of property and food trucks will be allowed to operate on private property as standalone vendors.

The second ordinance also establishes a one-year Mobile Food Unit Street Vending pilot program in certain areas of Tyler -- the Midtown District, the Texas College District, the University Woods District, the Downtown area, next to city parks and at active construction sites.

“City staff have received many inquiries from citizens regarding the ability to allow food trucks and food truck parks, prompting staff to review relevant codes and rules,” City Planning Director Heather Nick said in the release. “Tyler is also home to more than 18,000 college students who are likely to support creative entertainment options such as food truck parks and related activities.”

The new ordinances will ignite a new era of food and entertainment options in Tyler, which is continuing to see incredible growth in both areas.

“The amendments are likely to provide more diversity in food and entertainment options around the city,” Senior Planner Kyle Kingma said. “We looked at best practices throughout Texas and the rest of the country and have incorporated these elements. However, we also made sure that some elements are still unique to Tyler.”

The changes will become effective on Dec. 12, 2014, at which time interested mobile food vendors will be able to apply for the necessary permits.