Shavano Park is revising its commercial zoning use regulations to better accommodate things such as food truck courts, electric vehicle charging stations and bank drive-thru facilities.

The City Council voted unanimously Oct. 25 to amend the city’s zoning code, which sees the addition of mobile food courts, electric vehicle charging stations and skilled nursing services as allowed uses.

City staffers have said, with the COVID-19 pandemic easing and business picking back up, this was an opportunity to help oblige mostly newer types of business development.

“I would characterize this as nothing earth-shattering,” City Manager Bill Hill said.

With a special permit from the council, and the planning and zoning commission, food truck courts would be restricted to the B-1 commercial zoning district, which contains medium business uses.

Charging stations for electric vehicles are allowed in B-1 and B-2 commercial zoning districts. B-2 includes heavier commercial uses. B-1 and B-2 districts may also permit skilled nursing services and facilities, as well as banks, savings and loan facilities with drive-thru structures.

The council and the Planning and Zoning Commission would have to approve a special use-permit for food truck and food truck court operators to do business in town. The city will later address other regulations for food truck and food truck court operators. Such regulations have not existed in Shavano Park, according to the city.

The council’s Oct. 25 vote also covers zoning code amendments that clarify mixed-use district front setback language.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify how food trucks will be allowed to operate in the city.