Houston, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Selling without one is unlawful
- Sales hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. only
- Bond required
- $10,000 corporate surety bond
- Max duration
- 7 consecutive days per permit
- Penalty
- $250-$500 fine per violation
Summary
Houston requires street vendors selling goods from trucks, carts, or temporary sites on non-residential property to obtain a city permit, post a $10,000 bond, and limit sales to 8 a.m.-8 p.m., with permits capped at 7 consecutive days.
It shall be unlawful for any street vendor to sell...any goods or merchandise in the city without first obtaining a permit so to do in accordance with this article. ... Any permit issued hereunder shall be issued to a specific person for a specific location and shall limit the hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. ... in no event shall the permit continue in effect for more than 7 consecutive days from the date of issuance.
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, a "street vendor" is anyone without a certificate of occupancy who sells goods from a truck, cart, or other vehicle on non-residential property, or from rented space that doesn't require a certificate of occupancy. Section 22-14 makes it unlawful to sell without a permit from the Director of Administration and Regulatory Affairs, plus the property owner's notarized consent and a Texas sales tax permit displayed on-site. Section 22-16 requires a $10,000 surety bond. Section 22-18 limits hours to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Section 22-19 caps each permit at 7 consecutive days, three sales per location per year, and ten per vendor per year.
Violations & Fines
Violating Article I permit rules is a misdemeanor under Section 22-91, punishable by a fine of $250 to $500, with each day or instance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a Houston street vendor permit?
How long is a Houston street vendor permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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Sidewalk & Mobile Vending in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle sidewalk & mobile vending.