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San Marcos, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit issuer
Health authority
Base required
Central preparation facility
Permit type shown
Restricted or unrestricted
Display requirement
Permit visible on unit
Transferability
Non-transferable

Summary

Operating a food truck in San Marcos requires a health authority permit tied to an approved central preparation facility before any sales begin.

A person who seeks to operate a mobile food unit must submit to the health authority a written or electronic application for a permit on a form provided by the health authority... For a mobile food unit permit, the health authority shall describe on the permit whether the unit is restricted or unrestricted. A person operating a mobile food unit shall promptly display the mobile food unit permit where it is readily visible as designated by the health authority.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).

Full Breakdown

San Marcos requires anyone operating a mobile food unit to file a written or electronic permit application with the health authority. The application must show the unit's base central preparation facility (or the applicant's own facility), the applicant's ID, vehicle type, proof of sales tax permit, sales itinerary, and full menu. The health authority marks the permit restricted or unrestricted, and the permit must be displayed on the unit at all times. Water and wastewater connections are barred except for filling or emptying tanks at approved sites.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a displayed permit, selling items not listed on the permit, or selling non-food items violates Sec. 18.101-18.102; the health authority can cite the operator or halt food service until corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a San Marcos food truck need its own commissary?
No: the operator can use another facility's central preparation facility if that owner confirms it in the application, or maintain its own.
Can a food truck sell items not on its permit?
No. Sec. 18.102 limits sales to the food items listed on the permit and bars non-food item sales entirely.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Marcos

Sidewalk & Mobile VendingHeavy RestrictionsVending ZonesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant Restrictions

All San Marcos rules

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