HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #7 Temporary VendorDear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to respectfully share concerns regarding the $150 business license fee required to operate a food
truck in the City of Chubbuck. As a small mobile food vendor who operates in our local community, I
appreciate the city's efforts to support local commerce and maintain fair regulations. However, I hope the city
will consider how the current licensing structure may unintentionally discourage food truck businesses from
operating within Chubbuck.
One of the most important comparisons comes from our neighboring community, the City of Pocatello.
Pocatello currently allows food trucks to operate without a city business license fee. This policy has encouraged
mobile vendors to participate in local events, serve neighborhoods, and contribute to the local economy without
the barrier of an additional startup cost.
For a traditional brick -and -mortar business operating year-round in a fixed location, a $150 license fee may
represent a small and predictable operating expense. However, food trucks operate differently. Many vendors
operate seasonally, attend occasional events, or visit certain areas only a handful of times each year. For a
mobile vendor who may only operate in Chubbuck a few days or weeks annually, the $150 fee can become a
prohibitive cost relative to the amount of business conducted in the city.
Because food trucks are mobile, vendors naturally gravitate toward communities where entry barriers are lower
and regulations are easier to navigate. When one city charges a significant fee while a neighboring city does not,
vendors often choose to focus their time and resources in the location with fewer obstacles. In this case, the
difference between Chubbuck's $150 fee and Pocatello's no -fee policy creates a strong incentive for vendors to
operate primarily in Pocatello.
This can have unintended consequences. Food trucks bring activity to parks, community events, youth sports,
and local gatherings. They provide dining options for residents, attract visitors, and help create a lively
community atmosphere. When licensing costs discourage mobile vendors, residents may lose opportunities to
enjoy these services and events may have fewer local food options.
I respectfully ask the City Council to consider reviewing the current fee structure for mobile food vendors.
Options such as reducing the fee, creating a lower-cost seasonal or temporary license, or adopting a policy
similar to Pocatello's could help encourage small mobile businesses while still maintaining appropriate
oversight.
Chubbuck is a wonderful community with many local events and gathering places where food tricks could
contribute positively. Adjusting the licensing structure could help ensure that small mobile vendors feel
welcome to participate and serve residents.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate the work you do to support local businesses and
strengthen our community.
Sincerely,
Ryan Matthews
Ryan Matthews
00 Owner
Smokin' Bud's BBQ
Joey Bowers
Subject: Temp License Fee for Food Trucks
From: Joey Bowers
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2026 11:50 AM
Subject: RE: Temp License Fee for Food Trucks
I also wanted to add another thought regarding the comparison of fees between cities.
Pocatello does charge a yearly Fire Department inspection fee of $45, our business licensing fees are also
structured as a yearly cost, and is active for a complete 12 month period. Unlike the other city, we do not
require or charge a separate annual inspection fee.
Additionally, there may be other fees in the other city that are categorized separately and not listed directly
under the business license fee. Our city does not charge additional fees under separate categories that would
increase the overall cost beyond the business license fee.
I felt it was important to clarify these distinctions when comparing the total costs for doing business.
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Joey Bowers, idCMC-A, aPHR
City Clerk I IT Supervisor
ibowers@cityofchubbucic. us
290 East Linden Ave.
Chubbuck,ID 83202
208.237.2400 ext.201
Fax: 208.238.2371
Thank you for taking the time to write and share your thoughtful perspective regarding the City of Chubbuck's
$150 business license fee for food trucks. We appreciate hearing from local vendors and community members,
and your input helps infonn ongoing discussions about how we support small businesses while maintaining
effective city operations.
I would like to clarify one point mentioned in your letter regarding the City of Pocatello. Pocatello currently
does not maintain a business licensing process for any businesses operating within the city. The removal of
licensing requirements was a policy decision made some time ago; however, Pocatello has since expressed
regret about that decision and is working toward re -implementing a formal licensing structure. This is largely
due to the challenges that arose without it, including the loss of valuable business information, the additional
staff time required to track and manage businesses operating within the city, and multiple requests from
departments to restore the associated licensing.
Additionally, each municipality establishes its own policies based on the needs, priorities, and standards of its
community. While neighboring cities may take different approaches to licensing or fees, these differences
reflect local decisions about how best to manage services, support businesses, and meet community
expectations. Having multiple communities in close proximity with different standards and approaches is part of
what allows each city to respond to the unique needs and preferences of its residents and local businesses.
Business licensing serves several important purposes for municipalities. In addition to providing a fair and
consistent framework for businesses operating within city limits, it allows staff and emergency services to
maintain accurate records, communicate with vendors when necessary, and ensure that operations align with
public safety and community standards.
It is also important to note that temporary and mobile vendors operating within the city still utilize and have an
impact on many municipal resources during their operations. These can include public infrastructure, police,
fire/ems, staff coordination, permitting oversight, and other city services that support business activity.
Traditional brick -and -mortar businesses contribute toward these impacts through licensing and other regulatory
fees, and the business license helps ensure that all businesses operating in the community contribute in a fair
and consistent manner toward the resources they impact and benefit from during operations in the city.
We certainly understand that mobile food vendors operate differently from traditional brick -and -mortar
businesses, and your comments regarding seasonal operations and event -based participation are valuable
considerations. Feedback like yours is helpful as the City continues to evaluate policies and consider how they
impact different types of local businesses.
Thank you again for reaching out and for contributing to the discussion. We appreciate the role that food trucks
and mobile vendors play in local events and community gatherings, and we value your willingness to share your
perspective.
Joey Bowers, idCMC-A, aPHR
City Clerk I IT Supervisor
ibowers@cityofchubbuck.us
290 East Linden Ave.
Chubbuck, ID 83202
208.237.2400 ext.201
Fax: 208.238.2371