Houston
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Houston
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Houston
Mandatory for all Mandatory for all mobile food units.
Requires passing both Health Department and Fire Marshal inspections.
Cost of Business Permit
$701
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annual
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Houston
Commissary servicing:
Required for unrestricted units within 24 hours of operation.
Maintain receipts for 1 year.
Food handlers must have proper certification:
Food Service Certified Manager is required.
All employees handling food must complete food handler training.
Prepare/store food only on the unit or at an approved commissary.
Restricted units cannot use grills, utensils, or prepare/repackage food.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Houston
Operating Hours and Location
Frozen dessert units may operate on streets/sidewalks.
Other units must operate on private property.
Notify the health department two days before relocatin
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Houston
LP Gas Regulations:
LP Gas permit required ($225.14 annually).
Maximum 200 lbs of LP gas (special events: 100 lbs limit).
Secure LP gas containers upright.
Install a shutoff valve with proper signage.
Fire Extinguishers:
Carry a 3A-40BC fire extinguisher.
If using deep fryers, also carry a Type K extinguisher.
Extinguishers must have current inspection tags.
Automatic Fire Suppression System:
Mandatory for units with cooking equipment (inspected every 6 months).
Proper ventilation system with grease filters.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Houston
Inspections:
Conducted by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Bring necessary documents and a generator for pre-inspections.
Operating vehicles must display:
Business name on two sides (3-inch minimum lettering).
"Caution Children" sign with flashing red/yellow lights for ice cream trucks.
Keep "No Smoking" signs near LP gas containers.
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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