22/06/2026
Manatee County Food Truck Ordinance.
Here are all the main standards and points that must be followed when designing a Food Truck Park:
1. Dimensional & Setback Requirements
Food Truck Pad Size: Each individual pad must be permanently striped and measure a minimum of 26 feet in length and 10 feet in width.
Separation: The design must leave adequate distance between each pad to allow for safe vehicle ingress and egress.
Property Line Setbacks: Food truck pads must maintain minimum setbacks of 25 feet from front, side, and rear property lines, and 30 feet from any waterfront line.
2. Customer & Site Amenities
Designated Eating Areas: The site plan must clearly delineate and provide designated eating areas for patrons.
Restroom Facilities: On-site restroom facilities are required, must meet the standard 25-foot pad setbacks, and must connect to public utilities (septic or well connections are prohibited).
Waste Disposal: The design must include dedicated areas/facilities for central solid waste disposal and recycling located close to eating or high-traffic areas.
Accessory Activity Areas: Any accessory activity areas must be clearly designated and outlined on the site plan.
3. Surface & Utilities
Surface Materials: All food truck pads, drive aisles, and parking areas must consist of a smooth, dustless surface conforming to County Public Works Standards.
Utility Connections: Every food truck pad must provide dedicated utility hookups (electricity, potable water, grease interceptors, natural gas, and propane).
Public Utilities Only: Food truck parks are only allowed where public utilities are available; connecting pads or restrooms to a well or septic system is strictly prohibited.
No Generators: The site design must accommodate full utility power because food truck units are prohibited from operating generators.
4. Customer Parking Ratios
Vehicular Parking Spaces: The parking layout must provide vehicular spaces at a ratio of 1 space per 2 seats or 2 spaces per mobile vending pad, whichever is greater.
Employee Parking: The design must include a minimum of 1 parking space per employee based on the peak work shift.
5. Buffering & Screening
Residential Screening: If the park abuts a residential use or residential zoning district, it must be screened in accordance with LDC Section 701.4.
General Landscaping: All other screening and landscaping across the site must comply with standard LDC Section 701 regulations.
Noise Mitigation: Outdoor speakers are entirely prohibited on sides of the property that abut residential uses or zoning.
