Houston food trucks need a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the Houston Health Department ($530 annually for full-prep, $266 for prepackaged) and must operate from a Houston-permitted commissary. Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 20 Article V allows downtown vending but bans operation within 60 feet of any restaurant entrance during their open hours.
Houston food trucks are regulated by the Houston Health Department Bureau of Consumer Health Services under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 20 Article V. The annual Mobile Food Unit permit costs $266 for Class 1 prepackaged units and $530 for Class 2/3 full-preparation units. Every MFU must affiliate with a Houston-permitted commissary or central preparation facility — out-of-county commissaries are not accepted — and must return there daily for servicing. The truck must pass an initial vehicle inspection plus annual propane/LPG inspection. Operators must designate a Texas Department of State Health Services Certified Food Manager. Unlike many Texas cities, Houston allows downtown street vending but Chapter 20 prohibits any MFU from operating within 60 feet of the front entrance of an open restaurant. A City of Houston Business Personal Property tax registration and Texas Sales Tax Permit are also required.
Operating an unpermitted MFU is a Class C misdemeanor with fines from $50 to $2,000 per day under Texas Health & Safety Code §437. Operating from an unapproved commissary or out-of-county base voids the permit. Violating the 60-ft restaurant buffer carries fines starting at $250. Failure to maintain the propane inspection or commissary letter results in immediate suspension.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle food truck permits.
See how Houston's food truck permits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.