Garland's Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles food trucks & mobile vendors a little differently. In Garland, Texas, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sidewalk & Mobile Vending

Mobile food vendors in Garland operate under the Texas Food Establishment Rules adopted in City Code Chapter 22, Article II. As of July 1, 2026, food trucks must hold a Texas DSHS mobile food unit permit and be serviced by an approved central preparation facility.

Key details: Governing code: City Code Ch. 22, Art. II. State permit: DSHS MFU permit by July 1, 2026. Commissary: Approved central preparation facility. Regulator: Garland Health Dept. 972-205-3460. Suspension trigger: Inspection score 69 or below.

A violation of Chapter 22 is a misdemeanor punishable under Section 10.05 of the Garland Code. The Garland Health Department may deny, suspend, or revoke a permit and post a 'Closed by Order of Garland Health Department' notice.

Vending Zones

Garland bans parking a catering truck or mobile food unit in any residential zone under Code of Ordinances Section 32.57(C)(10)-(12), with narrow exceptions for construction-site food service and vendors serving active job sites. Outside residential zones, a dedicated mobile food truck park needs a Special Use Permit under Development Code Section 2.52(A)(37) and can only operate late at night if it sits more than 150 feet from housing.

Key details: Residential zone rule: Catering trucks and mobile food units banned. Construction-site exception: Permitted trucks may serve active job sites. Fixed food truck parks: Require a Specific Use Provision (§ 2.52(A)(37)). Late-night curfew: 11 p.m. close within 150 ft of homes. Restroom requirement: Permanent hand sinks and flushable toilets on site.

Parking a catering truck or mobile food unit in a residential zone is a Code of Ordinances offense for the operator and a separate civil offense for the vehicle's owner. Operating a mobile food truck park without the required Specific Use Provision, certificate of occupancy, or within its restricted late-night hours violates the Development Code and can jeopardize the underlying SUP approval.

This is one of the stricter rules in Garland's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Food Truck Permits

Garland requires mobile food vendors to obtain a city permit and a Dallas County Health Department food service permit. Food trucks must pass health inspections and maintain food handler certifications. The city has been working to accommodate food trucks while maintaining health and safety standards.

Key details: City Permit: Required. Health Permit: Dallas County Health Dept.. Inspections: Health and fire inspections required. Food Handler: Valid certification required. Annual Renewal: Permits renewed annually.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Garland gives residents more flexibility on food truck permits.

The Bottom Line

Garland's food trucks & mobile vendors rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Garland is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Garland's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.