Mobile food vending in San Antonio requires permits from multiple agencies under Chapter 13 (Food and Food Handlers). Operators need a mobile food establishment permit from SAMHD, a Fire Mobile Vending Permit ($300 + 3% surcharge) from SAFD, a business license from Finance, and a Texas Sales Tax Permit. Annual health inspections are conducted by appointment. A Central Prep Facility (commissary) letter is required for inspection.
Food trucks operating in San Antonio must obtain a mobile food vendor permit from the city and a food service permit from the Texas health department or county health authority. Requirements include passing a vehicle and equipment inspection, maintaining a commissary agreement for food prep and waste disposal, and carrying liability insurance. Operators need a valid business license and food handler certifications. Fire extinguisher and handwashing station required. Annual renewal with inspection.
Operating without permit: $250 to $1,000 plus impoundment. Health violations: immediate closure order. Expired permits: $100 to $500 per day.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio noise ordinance quiet hours are 10 PM–6 AM Sun–Thu and 11 PM–6 AM Fri–Sat (City Code Ch. 21, Art. III). Residential cap 63 dB(A) day / 56 dB(A) n...
San Antonio, TX
All possession, sale, use, transport, and manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within San Antonio city limits and within 5,000 feet of those limits, per th...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Property owners may install yard decorations year-r...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays (giant Santas, snowmen, pumpkins). Inflatables are permitted on residen...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifying installation or removal dates, brightness limits, or amplified audio rules for residential holiday light display...
San Antonio, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Antonio require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a Residential Improvements building permit, a ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bexar County.
See how other cities in Bexar County handle food truck permits.
See how San Antonio'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.