McKinney regulates food trucks and mobile food units under City Code Chapter 46 (Food Establishment Regulations), which adopts the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER, 25 TAC Ch. 228) by reference. The City of McKinney Health Compliance Division (401 E. Virginia St., 972-547-7445) issues Mobile Food Establishment permits; Chapter 46 was amended effective February 2, 2026 under Texas Health & Safety Code § 437.0127. Mobile permits run in six-month blocks (Jan 1–Jun 30 or Jul 1–Dec 31) with no fee proration regardless of issuance date. Vendor cart vending on public sidewalks is not authorized as a stand-alone city license.
Operators apply through the city's CSS Permitting Portal or EnerGov plan-review system. As of February 2, 2026, the Mobile Food Establishment permit fee is $258 and a Temporary Single-Event permit is $52. Each mobile food unit must operate from a Central Preparation Facility or other permitted food establishment and report there daily for supplies and cleaning, per TFER. A certified food manager must be present during operating hours, fire suppression systems require twice-yearly Fire Marshal inspections, and vehicle insurance is required. Operators must register their business with the Texas Secretary of State and Comptroller. Permits are non-transferable, and operating without a valid permit is unlawful under Chapter 46. McKinney does not maintain a dedicated sidewalk-cart license framework like Indianapolis; food trucks and mobile food units are typically restricted to private commercial property, food-truck courts, or city-approved special events rather than public sidewalks.
Operating a food establishment within McKinney without a valid Chapter 46 permit is unlawful and subject to citation, permit denial, and closure orders by the Health Compliance Officer. The Fire Marshal may issue stop-orders for missed fire-suppression inspections. Permit fees are nonrefundable and not prorated.
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