Houston restricts street vending locations under Chapter 22. Vendors cannot park for more than one hour at any location in an 8-hour period. Vending is prohibited near schools, fire stations, and congested intersections.
Under Chapter 22 of the Houston Code of Ordinances, no street vendor may park a vehicle or set up a stand on any public street or alley for more than one hour in any 8-hour period at one location. Vendors must not obstruct traffic, fire hydrants, building entrances, or crosswalks. Vending is prohibited within certain distances of schools, fire stations, hospitals, and other sensitive locations. The ARA Department maintains designated restricted zones. Mobile food vendors on private property are regulated separately under Chapter 10-166, which requires permission from the property owner and a mobile vending license. Vendors near schools cannot operate between 6 AM and 5 PM within 300 feet of a school. The Houston Health Department imposes additional location restrictions for food vendors related to proximity to sewers, dumpsters, and other sanitation concerns.
Citations for location violations carry fines up to $2,000. Vehicles may be towed. Repeat violations can result in license revocation and forfeiture of the surety bond.
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