The Pasco City Council has approved amendments to city code that aim to further energize downtown and support small businesses, Pasco officials announced.

The amendments were finalized on Aug. 5.

They’re designed to “enhance the use of public spaces and bolster the community’s growing mobile vending scene, including food trucks,” the city said in a statement.

They’re part of the broader Downtown Pasco Master Plan and will “allow for more innovative and flexible public space use, offering fresh business opportunities and fostering a more vibrant community atmosphere,” the statement said.

Highlights include:

• Allowing restaurants, bars and cafes to use sidewalks and parking spaces for additional seating.
  
  
• Introducing city-operated “parklets,” which turn parking spaces into public spaces for gatherings and activities, and ensuring those spaces are safe, accessible and “contribute to the lively atmosphere in the downtown area.”
  
  
• Easing the way for mobile vendors, including introducing food truck parks in non-residential zones. One such food truck park already is in the works; the council on Aug. 5 approved selling city land near Gesa Stadium for a food truck hub.

“Approving these amendments marks a significant step forward in our efforts to revitalize downtown Pasco and support our local entrepreneurs across the community,” said Jacob Gonzalez, the city’s community and economic development director, in the statement.

“These changes create a more vibrant public space and foster economic growth and community engagement,” he added in the statement.