Northampton County officials debate food truck regulations

The Northampton County Board of Supervisors are considering an ordinance that would, for the first time, allow food trucks to operate in the unincorporated areas of the county, but only under strict conditions.

The proposal clarifies that food trucks will not be permitted to set up within Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) rights-of-way, limiting operations to private property. County Zoning Administrator Mike Starling explained that VDOT requirements for roadside vendors were too burdensome and could create unnecessary complications for the county. Instead, the ordinance focuses on food trucks that park, open for business, and serve prepared meals and drinks, as well as “canteen trucks” that deliver prepackaged food and beverages to construction or agricultural sites.

The draft includes rules on parking, lighting, propane use, and waste disposal to ensure trucks do not become a nuisance or safety hazard. However, several supervisors raised concerns that some provisions may be too restrictive. Questions were raised about prohibiting extension cords—commonly used with portable generators—and about language limiting overnight parking only to land titled in the same name as the truck owner, which could create complications for family or business partnerships. Other issues included unclear definitions of kitchen equipment standards and propane tank limits.

Starling told the Board enforcement would remain complaint-driven, handled by the county zoning staff. Supervisors stressed the importance of balancing safety with fairness so food truck operators can succeed. While some Supervisors felt certain rules needed clarification or revision, there was general agreement that the ordinance would give residents new business opportunities outside of town limits. The draft will now be forwarded to the Planning Commission for further review.