Amarillo, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Amarillo Environmental Health Officer
- Commissary
- Required unless unit fully self-sufficient
- Annual permit fee
- $300 (unit under 500 sq ft)
- Inspections
- Two per year minimum
- State law (2026)
- HB 2844 / H&S Ch. 437B
Summary
Amarillo mobile food units must hold a Food Establishment permit from the Amarillo Area Public Health District, with a central preparation facility/commissary unless the Environmental Health Officer finds the unit completely self-sufficient. Since July 1, 2026, DSHS licenses mobile vendors statewide under HB 2844.
(3) In accordance with the Texas Food Establishment Rules, chapter 228.221(a)(1), Mobile Food Units, determined to be completely self sufficient and compliant by the Environmental Health Officer, may operate without a Central Preparation Facility/Commissary. If it is determined a Central Preparation Facility/Commissary is required, a separate Food Establishment permit for the Central Preparation Facility/Commissary shall be obtained before the Mobile Food Unit permit may be issued... (4) Mobile Food Unit Servicing Areas shall not be waived... Mobile Food Units shall not be parked or operate from a private residence.
Full Breakdown
Under Amarillo Code § 8-5-16(a)(1), no one may operate a food establishment, including a mobile food unit, without a valid annual permit issued by the City. Section 8-5-21(c) requires a central preparation facility/commissary unless the Environmental Health Officer finds the unit completely self-sufficient; servicing areas cannot be waived, and units may not be parked or operated from a private residence. Fees run $31 application, $103 plan review, and $300 annual for units under 500 square feet, with at least two inspections per year. As of July 1, 2026, HB 2844 shifts mobile-vendor licensing to the Texas Department of State Health Services statewide under Health and Safety Code Chapter 437B.
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile food unit without a valid permit, or without a required central preparation facility/commissary, exposes the vendor to permit suspension or revocation by the Amarillo Area Public Health District's Environmental Health Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Amarillo food truck need a commissary?
Can I run a food truck from my house in Amarillo?
Who licenses Texas food trucks now?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Amarillo
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