Thinking about operating a food truck or food trailer in Houston? Here is the concise, verified path to the food permits you need in Houston, Texas, plus the exact documents inspectors will ask to see.
Quick Start: What You Must Have
1. City of Houston Mobile Food Unit Medallion
Required for food trucks and food trailer permits alike. Details, fees, renewal, and where it is affixed are posted on the Houston Permitting Center medallion page.
2. Houston Fire Department LP-Gas Permit
If you cook with propane, butane, or isobutane. See HFD’s guidance for mobile food units and permit details in the official PDF: Information for Mobile Food Units.
3. Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit
Necessary to collect and remit sales tax. Apply online with the Texas Comptroller.
Houston vs. Harris County: Know Your Regulator
- Inside City of Houston limits, mobile food units are regulated by the Houston Health Department. Start at the Mobile Food Units hub.
- In unincorporated areas outside the city, Harris County Public Health is the regulator. See the county’s Food Permits
Documents You Will Be Asked to Show
Bring physical copies to inspection. Houston lists these in its packet: Required documents checklist with forms.
- Mobile Food Unit plans and Menu Disclosure
- Vehicle insurance card
- List of Locations form
- Property Use Authorization letter
- Restroom Availability letter
- Health 1-8 form and SOP checklist
Restroom access must be within 500 feet of your operating location. Find the restroom and property letter templates in the city’s forms package.
Additional items to post or keep on the unit:
- Food Service Manager Certification posted, Food Handler certificates on board
- Keep commissary receipts on the unit for at least one year, and service the unit at an approved commissary within the 24-hour period before each day of operation; check the current Approved Commissary List
- LP-Gas permit and inspection reports if applicable
- Medallion and GEO tracking device affixed after you pass inspections, as outlined in the city’s council briefing: Mobile Food Unit Program Overview
Step by Step: How to Get Food Truck Permits in Houston, Texas
Step 1: Get your Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit
Apply online with the Texas Comptroller. There is no permit fee. Keep your permit number for city paperwork.
Step 2: Plan Review with the Houston Health Department
Unrestricted units submit plans for approval and complete the Menu Disclosure before construction. See the city’s guide, Operating a Mobile Food Unit in the City of Houston.
Step 3: Schedule Your Pre-Opening Inspection
Book through the city’s online system, QLess scheduling. Pre-opening inspections occur at the Environmental Inspection Center.
Step 4: Pass Inspection and Receive the Medallion
After you pass health and fire checks, inspectors affix the medallion and GEO device. Medallions are valid for one year. Fees, validity, and renewal timing are listed on the medallion page.
Step 5: Obtain the LP-Gas Permit If Cooking with Propane
HFD publishes requirements and fees in Information for Mobile Food Units. Review the appliance checklist for annual permits: L1 Annual Permit Self-Assessment Checklist.
Step 6: Post and Keep Required Records on the Unit
Use the city’s Required documents checklist with forms. Post the Property and Restroom letters and Food Service Manager certificate, and keep Food Handler cards, commissary receipts, and your LP-Gas permit on board.
“Food Trailer Permits” Use the Same Process
Houston’s Mobile Food Unit Medallion applies to food trucks and food trailer permits alike. Requirements and inspections are the same, including LP-Gas rules if applicable. Start at the Mobile Food Units hub.
Follow this order to save time: sales tax permit, plan review, schedule inspection, pass inspection and fire check, medallion affixed, then post and retain documents.
Temporary Food Permits in Houston
If you are serving as part of an event or celebration, apply for a Temporary Food Permit. See the city’s page: Temporary Food Permits.
Applications must be approved, invoiced, and paid at least seven full calendar days before the first day of the permit to avoid a late fee. The city caps temporary permits at 105 days per year at the same location.
Costs and Timelines at a Glance
Mobile Food Unit Medallion (City of Houston)
- Fees shown on the city page: Medallion $708.54, Plan review $46.34, Inspection $112.57, Admin $13.24, Renewal $721.78
- Validity: 1 year
- Typical processing: up to 15 business days
Source: Mobile Food Unit Medallion (HHD1008).
LP-Gas permit (Houston Fire Department)
- Annual permit: $225.14
- Approval timeline: within 90 days of application receipt
- Extinguishers: 3A-40BC and Type K on the unit
Source: HFD Information for Mobile Food Units (PDF).
Temporary Food Permits (City of Houston)
- Payment timing: pay at least 7 full calendar days before the first day to avoid a late fee
- Usage cap: up to 105 days per calendar year at the same location
Source: Temporary Food Permits
Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit
- Application fee: $0
- Tax basics: 6.25% state plus up to 2% local (max 8.25%)
Sources: Permit page and Sales and Use Tax.
Where Inspections Happen
- Environmental Inspection Center: 7427 Park Place Blvd, Houston, TX 77087
- Scheduling and required documents are on the city’s Mobile Food Units hub
Sources: City overview slide deck and Mobile Food Units hub.
Build and Equipment Notes Inspectors Flag
Houston calls out common inspection mistakes, including the use of commercial-grade equipment only, required lighting levels, and wastewater venting.
Review the reminders on the Mobile Food Units hub.
How JRS Helps Houston Operators Pass Inspections
- Compliance-ready builds that match Houston’s plan review and medallion standards for food trucks and food trailer permits.
- Permit packet prep with sample Property and Restroom letters, the SOP checklist, and a List of Locations template aligned to city forms.
- Coordination with plan review, inspection scheduling, and LP-Gas permitting so you can open on time.
Ready to build a compliant truck or trailer for Houston, Texas? Start your quote with JRS Custom Food Trucks & Trailers.
FAQ
Do I need both a Harris County and a City of Houston permit?
No. Use the permit authority where you operate. Inside Houston city limits, the Houston Health Department regulates (see the Mobile Food Units hub). In unincorporated areas outside the city, Harris County Public Health regulates (see Food Permits).
Where do inspections happen and how do I book?
Houston uses online and phone options for appointments. Book through QLess scheduling. Pre-opening inspections are conducted at the Environmental Inspection Center, 7427 Park Place Blvd.
How long does the medallion process take?
Up to 15 business days. Additional information is located on the Mobile Food Unit Medallion page.
Do I always need the LP-Gas permit?
Only if you cook with LP-Gas such as propane, butane, or isobutane. See HFD’s guidance. If you only serve pre-packaged, cold foods with no LP-Gas, the LP-Gas permit is not required.
What must be posted on the unit for Houston inspectors?
Property Use Authorization and Restroom letters posted in public view, Food Service Manager certificate posted, LP-Gas permit available, plus the medallion and GEO device affixed after you pass inspections. Use the city’s forms packet and checklist to stay organized.
Do I need a commissary?
Yes, if your operation type requires it. Keep commissary agreements and receipts on board. You can review the current Approved Commissary List.
How do I update my List of Locations?
List operating addresses, days, and times on the city form. If you add locations later, notify the Health Department at least two business days before operating there.
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