Oro Valley Takes a Step Toward Having Mobile Food Unit Courts

Oro Valley aims to create mobile food court regulations

“What we are shooting for is the more formal end of the spectrum.” 

These are the remarks of Town of Oro Valley Director of Planning Bayer Vella, as he introduced the idea to the Town Council of incorporating a mobile food unit court zoning concept into Oro Valley’s commercial regulations. Vella shared these insights with the council during a recent study session last week.

The town has no code for mobile food courts now

The Town has received a pre-application for introducing a mobile food unit court at Mercado del Rio on Pusch View Lane. The current code only pertains to minor food truck activities, such as one serving a construction site during lunchtime. Thus, that Town needs to add something in its code for this use so that the application can move forward.

Town staff wants an "upscale" concept embedded in the code

Vella aims to establish a code requirement that fosters the development of purposeful community meeting areas and offers permanent infrastructure for extended use. “The trucks would have a one year lease.” In simpler terms, Vella doesn’t want to merely permit the mobile food court concept on an undeveloped, unmanaged piece of land.

He recommended high standards [see panel below left] for the property to the Council, standards that would give the site the look [see panel right] of permanency; something that would be appropriate for Oro Valley.

Town council supports the need for the code and suggests areas for focus

Vice Mayor Barrett believes that having something that aligns with the community's needs and expectations would be advantageous. She is urging Vella to emphasize criteria for greenery and cleanliness. Additionally, both Vice Mayor Barrett and Councilmember Solomon stressed that the parking space requirements should not be overly burdensome, considering the nature of the business.

Several council members provided detailed feedback on the facility’s design, including aspects like shade structures. However, the majority appear to support the elevated design standards proposed by Vella. They also request that Vella collaborate with other organizations to gain insights from their experiences, such as reaching out to Wa Wa Lemonade.

A new to Oro Valley concept that could bring excitement to the community

Town staff's vision for a more formal and purposeful approach to mobile food unit courts in Oro Valley is a significant step toward enhancing the community's amenities. The need for a specific code to accommodate this concept is clear, and the support from various council members demonstrates the town's commitment to meeting the community's needs and expectations.

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Food Courts Will Be A Reality In Oro Valley

Ordinance to allow such approved last week

Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council approved an ordinance that will allow mobile food courts in the town. A mobile food court is a designated location where mobile food truck owners rent space to sell their products.

Town staff presented the concept to the council at a study session on November 7. The council wanted the food court to be of quality consistent with the high-quality nature of Oro Valley's other retail establishments. In addition, the council asked staff to talk with a couple of current and former food truck operators to get their perspective on the ordinance. Having done that, town staff presented the results that appeared to satisfy the questions previously posed by the council.

Specific areas designated

The ordinance designates certain areas in the town (see panel right) where a mobile food court can be located. However, the concept cannot be implemented unless the council approves a "conditional use permit" for that use. Thus, any future food court will need to be approved by the town council.

Late night public hearing rather odd

It was almost 11 o'clock last Wednesday night when the town council held the "public hearing" on the ordinance. No one showed up for the hearing. Perhaps there was no public interest, or perhaps it was far too late at night for the town to be holding a public hearing on any matter. The council had the option of continuing the matter to a more convenient day and time but chose not to do so.

...given the importance of the ordinance and the lack of urgency in putting it in effect

After about 20 minutes of discussion, the council approved the new ordinance by a six to one vote. The “No” vote came from Councilmember Tim Bohen. He voted no because he said it was too late at night to hold a public hearing, and this was a matter of importance that should be discussed at a time when council members are not tired from sitting five hours plus a council meeting. Bohen noted that this was not an urgent matter. Bayer Vella, the Town Director of Planning and Zoning, agreed, though he did say that it had been well researched and discussed with the council previously.

We expect that there will be an applicant who will file relatively soon

The location, we believe, will be at the Mercado del Rio center located on Pusch View Lane, since that is the location town staff discussed with the council at the November study session.

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