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ACTION ITEM: (1) Approve the Final Updates to the Food Truck Permit Program and (2) Select a Commissioner to Speak During the City Council Meeting, if desired.
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Meeting Date: June 2, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Adam Ferguson/PRCS
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [x] General Fund: Yes [] No [x]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (05/29/2026); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (05/29/2026)
Department Approval: Adam Ferguson, PRCS Deputy Director (05/26/2026) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission (1) approved the final updates to the Food Truck Permit Program and (2) select a commissioner to speak during the City Council Meeting, if desired.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) currently requires food truck vendors to obtain a street vendor permit and a business license. Food truck vendors may not operate within 300 feet of public schools or parks. (CCMC § 11.09.215.C.) Food trucks may operate as part of a special event permit, which are limited to 12 days per calendar year. (CCMC § 17.520.015.B.1.a.)
During the February 9, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting, residents asked to agendize a discussion regarding food truck vending rules and regulations, specifically as they pertain to vending in or near parks and limits on the number of special events at which such vendors may operate per year. Consensus was received by all Council Members to agendize a discussion with additional information from staff regarding food trucks and potential updates to the CCMC.
During the February 23, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting, consensus was received to have the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Commission form an ad hoc subcommittee to work with staff to develop a pilot permit program for food trucks operating near parks. During the March 3, 2026, PRCS Commission Regular Meeting, an ad hoc subcommittee was formed consisting of Commissioner Jennifer Chen and Commissioner Thomas Whitaker to work with staff on the development of the permit. Staff met with the ad hoc subcommittee on April 10, 2026. PRCS staff presented the initial framework at the PRCS Commission Special Meeting on April 16, 2026.
The following updates were made to the Program based on the feedback received during the PRCS Commission Special Meeting on April 16, 2026:
• Food Trucks are allowed to be at 2 different parks, per week
• Food Trucks can’t exceed 8 vending engagements per month
• Fox Hills Park is still being considered for list of eligible vending locations
Carlson Park eligible location moved off Braddock and onto Motor
The PRCS Commissioners may also discuss selecting a member to speak on their behalf at an upcoming City Council meeting to express the views of the PRCS Commission as a whole.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There will be additional revenues from the food truck permit application fees with the amount dependent on number of applications. Staff will also need to dedicate time to one of the Parks and Facilities Coordinators to review the applications and serve as a liaison for the vendors.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
recommended action
MOTION(S)
That the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission:
1. Approve the final updates to the Food Truck Permit Program; and
2. Select a commissioner to speak at the City Council meeting, if desired