Dallas vs Irving
How do food truck permits rules compare between Dallas, TX and Irving, TX?
Irving has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas City Code Chapter 17, Article VIII regulates mobile food units (MFUs). As of September 2023, Texas HB 2878 changed permitting so that MFU operators in Dallas County need only a single permit from Dallas County Health and Human Services rather than permits from each individual city. The 2022 amendments to Chapter 17 updated classifications and allowed Class III and IV MFUs to prepare raw poultry and seafood on the unit. All MFUs must be constructed in accordance with Chapter 17 and maintain valid permits.
View full Dallas rules →Irving, TX
Dallas County
Irving requires mobile food vendors to obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit under Chapter 8 (Business and Tax Code) of the city code. Vendors must also obtain a Dallas County Health Department food service permit. Food trucks must meet health, safety, and fire code requirements. Annual inspections are required, and operators must maintain proper food handler certifications.
View full Irving rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Ch. 17, Art. VIII (Mobile Food Units) | Irving Code Ch. 8 — Business and Tax Code |
| HB 2878 (2023) | County-level permit replaces city-by-city | - |
| Permit Authority | Dallas County DCHHS Environmental Health | - |
| 2022 Amendments | Updated classifications, expanded prep allowances | - |
| Compliance | Must meet Ch. 17 construction standards | - |
| City Permit | - | Mobile Food Vendor Permit required |
| Health Permit | - | Dallas County Health Dept. permit |
| Inspections | - | Annual health and fire inspections |
| Food Handler | - | Valid food handler certification required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Do I need a Dallas city permit for a food truck?
Since HB 2878 (effective September 2023), MFU operators need a single permit from Dallas County Health and Human Services rather than separate permits from each city within the county.
What food can I prepare on a food truck in Dallas?
Under the 2022 amendments to Chapter 17, Class III and IV mobile food units may prepare raw poultry and seafood on the unit. All operations must comply with Chapter 17 construction and sanitation standards.
Irving FAQ
What permits do I need for a food truck in Irving?
You need an Irving Mobile Food Vendor Permit and a Dallas County Health Department food service permit. Your truck must pass health and fire inspections, and all food handlers need valid certifications.
How much does an Irving food truck permit cost?
Contact Irving's Business License Department for current fee schedules. Costs include the city permit fee plus Dallas County health permit fees. Renewal is typically annual.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool