San Antonio, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 13-62
- Permit issuer
- SA Metro Health director
- Annual fee range
- $100–$300 by food type
- Afoot hazardous food
- Prohibited citywide
- Permit specifies
- Food type, method, vehicle
Summary
Anyone operating a food truck, pushcart, trailer, or vending food on foot in San Antonio must hold a current mobile food establishment permit from the Metropolitan Health District director, with the permit naming the food type and vehicle.
No person shall operate a mobile food court or mobile food establishment or vend food afoot who does not possess a valid, current mobile food court permit or mobile food establishment permit from the director as provided in this article. The permit for a mobile food establishment shall specify the type of food to be vended, the manner in which the food is to be vended, and include a description of any vehicle to be used in the food vending operation.
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 13-62 makes it unlawful to run a mobile food court or mobile food establishment, or to vend food afoot, without a valid, current permit issued by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District director. The permit must specify the type of food vended, how it is vended, and describe any vehicle used. Metro Health sets annual fees under Sec. 13-27: $100 for non-hazardous peddled food, $200 for prepackaged potentially hazardous food, and $300 for openly handled potentially hazardous food. Selling potentially hazardous food afoot is prohibited citywide.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the required mobile food establishment permit is a Chapter 13 violation subject to Metro Health enforcement, permit denial or revocation, and citation; vending potentially hazardous food on foot is unlawful anywhere in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a San Antonio permit to run a food truck?
How much does a San Antonio mobile food permit cost?
Can I sell hot food on foot in San Antonio?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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How other cities in Bexar County handle sidewalk & mobile vending.