Allen vs McKinney
How do sidewalk & mobile vending rules compare between Allen, TX and McKinney, TX?
Allen and McKinney have similar restriction levels.
Allen, TX
Collin County
The City of Allen regulates mobile food vendors (food trucks), pushcarts, and ice-cream trucks through the Allen Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Licenses, Business Regulations) and the Health Division. A mobile food unit must obtain an annual Allen health permit; ice-cream trucks pay $150/vehicle/year. Mobile vendors with a current permit may operate at special events with prior notice — no separate event permit required.
View full Allen rules →McKinney, TX
Collin County
McKinney regulates food trucks and mobile food units under City Code Chapter 46 (Food Establishment Regulations), which adopts the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER, 25 TAC Ch. 228) by reference. The City of McKinney Health Compliance Division (401 E. Virginia St., 972-547-7445) issues Mobile Food Establishment permits; Chapter 46 was amended effective February 2, 2026 under Texas Health & Safety Code § 437.0127. Mobile permits run in six-month blocks (Jan 1–Jun 30 or Jul 1–Dec 31) with no fee proration regardless of issuance date. Vendor cart vending on public sidewalks is not authorized as a stand-alone city license.
View full McKinney rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Allen | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Allen Code Ch. 8, Food Estab. Rules | - |
| Issuing Office | Environmental Health Division | - |
| Ice-Cream Truck Fee | $150/vehicle/year | - |
| Seasonal Permits | 2 per calendar year max | - |
| State Layer | 25 TAC Ch. 228 (Texas DSHS) | - |
| Code Authority | - | McKinney Code Ch. 46 |
| Mobile Permit Fee | - | $258 (eff. 2/2/2026) |
| Temporary Permit | - | $52 (single event) |
| Issuing Division | - | Health Compliance, 972-547-7445 |
| Permit Cycle | - | Semi-annual, no proration |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Allen FAQ
Do I need a permit for a food truck in Allen, TX?
Yes. The City of Allen requires an annual mobile food unit health permit through the Environmental Health Division (305 Century Parkway). You must also hold the appropriate Texas DSHS retail-food license under 25 TAC Chapter 228 and meet city zoning rules.
How much is an Allen, TX ice-cream truck permit?
$150 per vehicle per year. Ice-cream trucks fall under a separate category from full mobile food units, with their own fee, in the Allen Food Establishment Rules administered by the Community Enhancement Department.
Can I sell from a pushcart on Allen sidewalks?
Pushcarts (non-motorized vending carts) are not classified as full mobile food units but still need an Allen health permit if selling potentially-hazardous food. Sidewalk vending in front of an established business also requires that business owner's consent and compliance with right-of-way rules under Allen Code Chapter 32.
McKinney FAQ
Do I need a permit to operate a food truck in McKinney?
Yes. City Code Chapter 46 requires a Mobile Food Establishment permit from the McKinney Health Compliance Division before operating. The fee is $258 effective February 2, 2026, valid in semi-annual blocks (Jan–Jun or Jul–Dec). Apply through the CSS Permitting Portal.
Can I push a sidewalk vending cart on a McKinney sidewalk?
McKinney does not issue a stand-alone sidewalk cart license like some other cities. Mobile food vending must comply with Chapter 46 and TFER, and food trucks generally operate from private commercial property, food-truck courts, or permitted special events — not unsanctioned public sidewalks.
What else does a McKinney food truck need beyond the city permit?
Each unit must operate from a Central Preparation Facility (also permitted), have a certified food manager on site, pass twice-yearly Fire Marshal suppression inspections, carry vehicle insurance, and be registered with the Texas Secretary of State and Comptroller.
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