Street vendor permits in Austin, TX — sometimes called sidewalk vendor licenses, mobile vendor permits, or peddler permits — are the licenses required to sell goods or food on public property.
Street vending in Austin requires a Right-of-Way Vendor Permit from the Transportation and Public Works Department. Vendors may place a cart or stand in the right-of-way not exceeding 4 feet by 5 feet. No person or company may hold more than three vendor permits. Food vendors also need permits from Austin Public Health and must comply with Chapter 10-3 of the Code of Ordinances (Food and Food Handlers).
Austin regulates street and sidewalk vending through its Right-of-Way Vendor Permit program administered by the Transportation and Public Works Department. Vendors are permitted to place either a cart or a stand in the right-of-way, which cannot exceed four feet by five feet including non-detachable parts and must be self-contained (no connection to utilities). No person or company may hold more than three vendor permits. Mobile food vendors must also obtain permits from Austin Public Health under Chapter 10-3 of the Code of Ordinances (Food and Food Handlers). Mobile food vendor permits are classified as Restricted (prepackaged foods only) or Unrestricted (food prepared in the mobile unit). All mobile food vendor applications are submitted through the My Health Department Customer Portal. Since October 1, 2023, all food trucks equipped with propane or electric appliances producing smoke or grease-laden vapors require an Austin Fire Department inspection before operating within city limits. Additional requirements include a valid Austin business license and compliance with all applicable health, fire, and building codes.
Vending without a permit in the right-of-way is a Class C misdemeanor. Equipment may be impounded. Operating a food establishment without a health permit can result in closure and fines. Operating without a fire inspection (for units with cooking equipment) can result in cease-and-desist orders from the Austin Fire Department.
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See how Austin's vendor permits rules stack up against other locations.
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