El Paso
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in El Paso
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in El Paso
Food trucks in El Paso require a Mobile Food Establishment City License and a Mobile Health Permit. To obtain these, entrepreneurs must submit applications and fees at the One Stop Shop at 811 Texas Ave. or 5115 El Paso Drive. Health permits require inspections to ensure compliance with sanitation and equipment standards. The truck must have sufficient facilities for food preparation, storage, and waste disposal. Additionally, if operating in the downtown area or on public streets, vendors must adhere to parking and traffic regulations as stipulated by city ordinances.
Cost of Business Permit
$167
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annual
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in El Paso
Health inspections are conducted by the Department of Public Health to ensure compliance with local and state food safety standards. Trucks must have a handwashing sink with hot and cold running water, a clean water reservoir, and a wastewater tank that is 15% larger. Equipment, including refrigerators and cooking appliances, must meet temperature requirements for safe food handling. Food handlers must complete a Food Handler Certificate, and the preparation must occur in the truck or an approved Central Preparation Facility (CPF) with a passing annual inspection score of 85 or higher.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in El Paso
Food trucks may operate in approved locations during hours that comply with city ordinances. Operations near schools or in areas with a speed limit exceeding 30 mph are restricted. Additional regulations apply to operations in the downtown area, where special permissions are required.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in El Paso
Trucks with appliances that produce grease-laden vapors must have exhaust hoods and fire protection systems in compliance with the 2021 International Fire Code. Propane and other fuel systems must be securely installed and inspected annually. Portable fire extinguishers and LP-gas or methane alarms are required. Additionally, cooking oil storage tanks must meet volume and safety specifications.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in El Paso
Food trucks must comply with all parking laws, including being stationed on concrete, asphalt, or other treated surfaces (no dirt or muddy areas). Trucks operating near schools or pedestrian zones must adhere to strict safety guidelines. Vendors are prohibited from home preparation or storage of food and must provide receipts for all food purchases to verify sourcing from approved suppliers.
The information on this page is collected through collaboration with local food truck owners and occasional voluntary submissions from local government and health officials. Food Truck Profit is not a government agency and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. All food truck owners are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local government officials, including fire and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations. Food Truck Profit assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content provided.
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