Waco, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- City permit issuer
- Inspection Services Department
- Health permit
- Waco-McLennan County Public Health District
- Commissary
- Required; Texas Food Establishment Rules
- Liability insurance
- $500,000 minimum
- Permit term
- One year maximum
Summary
Waco bans mobile food vending without a public open air vending permit from the Inspection Services Department. Trucks routed for a health permit go to the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, must operate from an approved central preparation facility (commissary), and carry $500,000 in liability insurance.
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause public open air vending without a valid public open air vending permit. ... Any vendor that does not carry the equipment necessary to comply with state law or does not properly dispose of grease and other cooking waste shall operate from a central preparation facility in accordance with the Texas Food Establishment Rules. A copy of the most current health inspection of the central preparation facility must be maintained on the mobile unit at all times.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).
Full Breakdown
Under Waco Code Sec. 13-404, no one may conduct public open air vending, food trucks, trailers, and push carts included, without a valid permit issued by the Inspection Services Department after a city plan review that can attach traffic, design, and location conditions. Sec. 13-406(e) sends any vendor needing a health permit to the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, whose permit becomes part of the city permit. Sec. 13-405(e)(3) requires a vendor lacking on-board equipment or grease disposal to work from a central preparation facility (commissary) under the Texas Food Establishment Rules, with the latest health inspection kept on the unit. Public vendors must carry $500,000 liability insurance (Sec. 13-410); permits run one year. Separately, under Texas HB 2844 (Health & Safety Code Ch. 437B), DSHS took over statewide mobile food unit licensing on July 1, 2026.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit is an offense, with a separate offense for each day it continues. The city may revoke or suspend the permit, and may remove and store an offending vending facility until removal and storage charges are paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a Waco permit now that DSHS licenses food trucks?
Does my food truck need a commissary in Waco?
How long is a Waco vending permit good for?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waco
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Waco to another location·View the Texas food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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