Mobile Food Vendors

Beginning in October 2021, Environmental Health Services Division will be updating the process to schedule application review appointments using a new software called Microsoft Bookings. Mobile Food Vendors will be able to schedule, reschedule, and cancel their own application review appointments. These appointments are used for new mobile vending units and mobile vending units completing their annual permit renewal. Once Bookings is ready to use, this webpage will be updated with the hyperlink. Stay informed as we make improvements!

Mobile application review is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Mobile food vendor permitting inspections will be scheduled upon completion of your application review and receipt of payment. No walk-ins or same day appointments for either application review or permitting inspections. Appointments can be made up to 45 days before the expiration of your mobile unit permit.

Applications

• Permit to Operate: This approval is required to complete the permitting process. Once approved, the owner will receive a physical permit and permission to operate a Mobile Food Unit. 

• HACCP/Variance: Use this application to request a variance, allowing your establishment to deviate from the approved standards, and/or submit a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan showing how you will mitigate risks to food safety. 

Appointments are required for Mobile Vending application review and physical permitting inspections.View the inspection procedures here. Appointments are for 30 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Permit Fee Schedule 

View the Fee Schedule for Austin and Travis County effective October 1, 2020, for all permits and services.

NOTE: All fee schedules dated and posted prior to October 1, 2019 are no longer in effect.

Guides 

• How to Start a Mobile Food Business: Find pertinent information on starting a mobile food business.
• Food Manager/Food Handler Requirements Requirements: Learn about the training and certification requirements for food enterprise personnel. 
• Austin Fire Department Guides
  • AFD's Fire Protection Guidelines: Find pertinent information on Austin Fire Department’s rules and regulations.
  • Spanish Version of AFD's Fire Protection Guidelines.
  • Propane System Inspection Report  -- MANDATORY starting 1/1/2019
• Travis County's Fire/Safety Protection Guidelines:  Travis County Fire Marshal inspection guidelines for all unrestricted mobile vendors obtaining a Travis County permit.
• Waste: Learn about waste and how to do your part to reduce it.
• Food Donation Facts:  Learn about donating food for human consumption.
• Food Donation Guide: View the guidelines pertaining to food donation.
• Cottage Food Guidance: View guidance for food preparation operated out of homes..

Frequently Asked Questions

• Cottage Food FAQ: View frequently asked questions concerning the cottage food industry. 

Laws/Policies

• State Regulations: Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) - Field Inspection Manual 10.11.15
• State Regulations: Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Title 6, Chapter 431)
• Texas Administrative Code: Mobile Food Units (§228.221)
• Austin City Code: Food Code (Chapter 10-3)
• Austin City Code: Food Permit Application (Chapter 10-3-91)

• Austin City Code: Smoking in Public Places (Chapter 10-6)

• Austin City Code: Dogs Permitted in Outdoor Dining Areas (Ordinance No. 20151008-011)

• County Regulations: Chapter 247, Travis County Food Establishment Permits'

Have Feedback?

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To address a concern or request a second opinion regarding an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 from 7:45 am to 4:45 pm Monday - Friday.