New ordinance may allow more space for Tacoma food trucks

TACOMA, Wash. — Joseph Erck has to keep on the move if he wants Smokin' Zee's barbecue to make money. So he's glad to hear the city of Tacoma will soon be opening up more space for food trucks like his. 
 
Now, Erck depends on catering and seasonal sales like the Steilacoom farmer's market, where he was working on Wednesday.
 
"The understanding is that it's going to possibly be year-round, that's going to increase business for me," said Erck.
 
Under current law, food trucks aren't allowed on city streets in Tacoma and must operate on private property, with the permission of the owners. Additionally, they often have to pay rent for the space.
  
Young C., the owner of Burger Seoul, has been selling a mashup of Korean barbecue and American-style burgers from his food truck in the parking lot of a convenience store at the corner of South 19th and Proctor streets for seven months.
 
"We're paying him monthly so we can stay stationary right here," said Young. 
 
A new ordinance before the Tacoma City Council will allow the trucks the ability to park on the street at five different locations in the city. The ordinance was the subject of a first reading after its introduction at the Tacoma City Council's Tuesday night meeting. A final vote is several weeks away.
 
Erck said being able to park and operate on the street is a real chance for him to find new customers and grow his business.
 
"They're happy, I'm happy, because this is what I do seven days a week," Erck said.
 
City officials hope the trucks catch on, and say more locations could be considered for food truck parking in the future.
 
"Yeah, that's our intent," said Kala Dralle, economic development specialist with the city of Tacoma. "We want small, flexible businesses that can operate as freely as possible."

Cox Media Group