Street vending cart rules in San Antonio, TX — also called pushcart, food cart, or sidewalk vendor regulations — set where mobile vendors can operate and what permits they need.
San Antonio regulates vending cart equipment through SAMHD health standards and CCDO downtown requirements. Mobile food establishments must have approved handwashing facilities, wastewater containment, food temperature controls, and a commissary agreement. Carts must pass inspection before receiving a permit.
Under San Antonio Code Chapter 13 and Texas Food Establishment Rules, vending carts and mobile food establishments must meet specific equipment standards. All units must have: a handwashing sink with hot and cold running water, soap, and paper towels; adequate food storage at proper temperatures (below 41 degrees F for cold foods, above 135 degrees F for hot foods); wastewater collection and disposal systems; smooth and easily cleanable surfaces; overhead protection for food preparation areas; and fire suppression systems for any cooking equipment using open flame or producing grease-laden vapors. A commissary agreement with a licensed food establishment is mandatory for water supply, equipment cleaning, waste disposal, and food storage. CCDO downtown carts have additional size restrictions and must fit within designated vendor footprints. All carts must display the vendor permit, SAMHD inspection decal, and business name visibly. Propane use must comply with SAFD fire code requirements. Generators must meet Chapter 21 noise ordinance limits at the property line.
Failing inspection: permit denial or suspension. Operating with expired health permits: misdemeanor, fine up to $2,000. Improper food temperatures: immediate corrective action or closure.
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