This program ensures proper food safety at all mobile food establishments, such as food trailers, motor vehicles, pushcarts, and kiosks.
Exciting news! You will no longer need an appointment for an application review. We will soon be open for walk-in customers on July 17, 2023.
Hours of Operation: 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday
How it will work:
Step 1: Application Review for New and Renewal: Visit 1520 Rutherford Lane, building 1, Suite 205, with all necessary application materials (including renewal form for renewals). Also, bring a notarized CPF agreement, sales tax ID number, valid government identifications of owners and responsible parties, and the original Certified Food Manager Certificate. Make sure to bring proof of ownership documents filed with the State of Texas or Travis County. The completeness of your application will be assessed, and if it meets the requirements, the intake process will begin. Please note that the specific documents needed may vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for and the jurisdiction you will be operating in; additional documents may be requested.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment Time: Once the application intake is finished and payment has been submitted, the vendor will be provided with an appointment card indicating a future designated time slot for bringing in the mobile vending unit. These appointments are scheduled in 30-minute intervals. It is important to have the vending unit prepared and ready for inspection right at the beginning of the scheduled time. In the event that the vendor misses the appointed time, they will need to arrange for a new appointment to be scheduled.
Step 3: Arrive with the Mobile Vending Unit at Appointment Time: On the designated Tuesday or Thursday, bring your mobile vending unit to 1520 Rutherford Lane. It is not necessary for vendors to come upstairs to the office. Instead, the Environmental Health Officer and Fire Marshal will conduct inspections in our parking lot. Please note that certain units may require an inspection by a plumber or electrician beforehand, depending on the type of water/electricity setup you have as per the fire marshal's requirements.
Initial inspections still require a generator or internal power source to verify running hot water and refrigeration. Vendors may begin the process 45 days before the expiration date to prevent downtime due to expired permits.
Plan ahead. Do NOT bring in your mobile vending unit without an appointment. You will not be inspected. No exceptions.
For any further inquiries or information, please reach out to our team at 512-978-0300.
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.
- Central Preparation Facility Contract
- Central Preparation Facility Certification (for facilities outside of Austin/Travis County)
- Restroom Facility Agreement
- 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.
Permit Fee Schedule
Guides
- How to Start a Mobile Food Business: A guide for Mobile Food Vendors in Austin and Travis County.
- Food Manager/Food Handler Requirements: Learn about the training and certification requirements for food enterprise personnel.
- Austin Fire Department Mobile Food Vending Requirements: Find links to help guide you through the fire inspection process.
- 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.
Laws/Policies
- Federal Drug Administration: 2017 Food Code
- State Regulations: Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)
- 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?
Help us better serve our customers by providing feedback through our online survey.
To address a concern or request a second opinion regarding an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday - Friday.