The City of Vancouver will freeze new food truck permits in 2014 as it looks at ways to fix the problem of license holders renting out the permits at inflated values.
Vendors complained to the city in October, saying the practice of renting out permits, often at many times the permit's yearly $1,100 worth, had created uncertainty and money worries.
According to a letter sent to vendors December 20, city staff will recommend council prohibit renting the permits, limit the number of vending permits to no more than three for stationary permits and no more than four for mobile permits.
City staff is also recommending that permit holders be required to have a business license.
Permit holders who currently lease their location to another vendor would have two options: use the permit as it is intended (including allowing staff or family members to run the food cart), or give up the permit. The current subleasing vendor could then apply for that permit.
The proposed changes will go before council in February, according to a spokesperson.
