Chapel Hill, NC Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)

Section 10-69 of the food truck article sets four categories of locations where a truck may sell. It may operate on privately owned non-residential property in the TC-1, TC-2, and TC-3 town center zoning districts with the property owner's approval, so long as it does not take parking spaces needed during the primary business's operating hours unless the owner allows an alternate spot. It may also operate in neighborhood commercial and community commercial districts and in the commercial section of a mixed-use planned development, again with the property owner's approval, or on any lot while catering privately rather than selling to the general public, or on any property when authorized as part of a town-sanctioned special event or specialty market.

Beyond zoning, § 10-69(b) requires a truck to stay at least 100 feet from the customer entrance of an existing restaurant during that restaurant's hours of operation, unless the truck vendor documents that the restaurant owner supports a closer spot. Section 10-69(c) adds a 15-foot buffer from fire hydrants, fire department connections, driveway entrances, alleys, handicapped spaces, and trees or vegetation, and bars blocking drive aisles, loading areas, or emergency access. Under § 10-69(d), none of these location limits apply to food vending at a town-sanctioned market, festival, arts and crafts exhibit, or other event.