Food Truck Permits in Austin, TX

“For food trucks selling only prepackaged, commercially prepared food that does not require cooking, heating, or preparation on the vehicle.”

“Not needed if truck has valid MFV permit. Required for non-permitted vendors at special events.”

“Required for new mobile food unit construction or substantial remodeling. Not required for renewals or existing units without modifications.”

“Fire inspections are required for MVUs that use propane or use electric cooking appliances that create smoke or grease vapors. Fire inspections are not required for MVUs that do not have propane and do not have cooking equipment.”

“Licensed professional must complete the Electrical Inspection Form for initial inspections only (renewal permits do not require this if already on file).”

“MVUs permitted after May 1, 2022, are required to have a fire suppression system compliant with IFC, if the unit has gas or electric appliances that produce grease laden vapors”

“Required annually for all units with Liquid Propane Gas (LPG). Form must be completed by a licensed LPG plumber. Forms must be current within the last 90 days.”

“Required for commercial activity requests (vending, merchandise sales) in the park system. Concession permits are NOT issued for vendors to vend outside or near permitted special events.”

“Required only for public right-of-way vending”

“Required for food trucks vending in parking spaces, sidewalks, or streets during special events. The standard MFV health permit does not authorize right-of-way vending. A separate ACE application must be submitted to the Austin Transportation Department (ATPW Office of Special Events) for food trucks to vend in the ROW during permitted events.”

“Required for mobile food vendors performing specialized food processing (smoking, curing, sprouting, reduced oxygen packaging, or other processes that deviate from standard food safety rules). HACCP plan must be submitted and approved before the process can be used or implemented.”

“Required only for vendors applying for PARD Temporary Concession Permits to vend in city parks. Not required for standard mobile food vendor permit.”

“Required only if operating under a name different from your legal entity name”

“Only for food trucks operating from a fixed/permanent location (e.g., food truck park, leased lot) that intend to serve alcohol. TABC permits are tied to a permanent physical address — truly mobile vendors that change locations cannot hold a standard TABC permit. The City Clerk issues a tracking number and Development Services conducts a zoning review before certifying the application to TABC.”