Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections

Austin Fire is responsible for processing applications, collecting fees, scheduling and performing fire inspections for mobile food vendors (MFV) operating in Austin that have propane or any appliance (including electric) that produces grease-laden vapors. This requirement applies to both temporary and permanent mobile food vendors.

Fire permits are not required for MFV units that do not have propane and do not have cooking equipment (i.e, those that serve ice cream, coffee, etc.).

Mobile food vendors operating within Austin without a valid permit may be subject to enforcement action, including citations and suspension of operations.

Application Process

How to Apply

Submit this online MFV permit application to begin the process of applying for an Austin Fire Mobile Food Vendor permit.
Please allow up to three business days for the application to be processed. Permit applicants will be notified by email to log into the AB+C portal to pay the invoice under the “My Bills” tab.
Note: The AB+C portal is used for billing only. Do not apply for any permit within the portal. Use only the online MFV permit application.

Additional Resources

The applicant’s ID number, available through the AB+C portal, is required for the application.
AB+C portal registration instructions are available in English and en español .

Mobile Food Vendor Jurisdiction

The information on this page is specific to mobile food vendors operating within the City of Austin. AFD performs fire inspections as part of the permitting process.

Vendors operating outside the City, but within Travis County, must be permitted through the Travis County Fire Marshal. Learn more about those requirements here.

Mobile food vendors needing assistance with determining jurisdiction may send an email will the full address where the MFV will operate to AFDMobileVending@austintexas.gov.

Fire Inspection Fees

The MFV Fire Inspection fee is $222. An annual permit will be issued once the MFV unit successfully passes inspection.

If an MFV unit fails, misses or is late for the fire/health inspection appointment, payment of a new fire inspection fee is required to reschedule.

Fail: The MFV unit does not meet fire code requirements during inspection.
Late: The MFV unit is not ready for inspection or arrives more than 15 minutes after the appointment time.
No-show: The MFV unit fails to show up for the inspection.

Fire Code Requirements for Mobile Food Vending Inspections

Mobile Food Vending (MFV) Operators are responsible for the following:

The 2015 International Fire Code continues to be in effect for MFV getting a fire inspection to renew an existing permit that was issued prior to May 1, 2022.

The 2024 International Fire Code is in effect for MFVs getting a new permit after May 1, 2022. “New” means new construction, change of ownership or lapse of permit greater than 6 months

MFV units renewing a permit issued before May 1, 2022:

A 2A10BC fire extinguisher with current annual inspection tag
Propane System Inspection Report form filled out by a licensed LPG plumber
A Class K fire extinguisher with current annual inspection tag when using fryers or solid fuel (ex. wood, charcoal)

MFV units Getting a *NEW* permit after May 1, 2022:

A 2A10BC fire extinguisher with current annual inspection tag
Propane System Inspection Report form filled out by a licensed LPG plumber
A Class 1 hood automatic fire suppression system (commonly called Ansul) with a current semi-annual inspection tag
A Class K fire extinguisher with current annual inspection tag
An explosive-gas detector
An electrical inspection report on the AFD form filled out by a master electrician.

Mobile Food Vending Unit Checklist

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

Class 1 Hood Automatic Fire Suppression Systems are now mandatory for new MVF units after May 1, 2022.
These systems are required to have a current semi-annual inspection tag.
A Class K fire extinguisher is also required with a current annual inspection tag.

Electrical

No use of extension cords as permanent wiring.
Breaker boxes and junction boxes shall have proper covers.
All wiring must be in conduit.
GFCI protection is required for all outlets.
Improper use of electrical accessories and overloading of circuits is prohibited.
For all Mobile Food Vendors obtaining a new permit, an inspection of the electrical system will be required by a master electrician. This is a one-time inspection to ensure compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. See the link to the AFD Electrical Inspection Form.

Propane Cylinders

A maximum capacity of propane containers transported on the vehicle and used to fuel cooking appliances shall not exceed 200 pounds.
Propane containers are required to have a current hydrostatic date stamp.
With the installation of a Class 1 Hood Automatic Fire Suppression System, propane cylinders with a total capacity not exceeding 120 pounds may be connected by a manifold system

Propane Cylinder Location

Propane cylinders (including spares) are required to be protected from damage. Propane cylinders and piping are prohibited in the following locations:
On rear bumpers, on exterior sides of vehicle, or below the lowest part of the vehicle frame
Inside improperly vented or unvented trunks or beds of vehicles
Inside passenger compartments of vehicles
The propane storage compartment shall be properly ventilated with at least two vents (one top of compartment and one bottom of compartment). Each vent shall have a total area equal to at least .5 square inches for each 7 lbs. of the total propane fuel capacity of the maximum number of the largest cylinders the compartment can hold.
- The propane storage compartment shall be sealed off to the interior of the MFV unit.
- Propane cylinders must be secured as to prevent propane cylinders from leaving mount or cage in the event of vehicle crash or rollover.
- The relief valve on the propane cylinder shall be note less than three feet measured horizontally to vehicle openings such as:
  - Doors and windows
  - Air intake or exhaust vents
  - Any engine exhaust

Appliances and Equipment

All cooking appliances shall be listed for use with propane or electricity as applicable.
Propane piping is prohibited from being located on sides, rear or roof of unit.
Piping systems, including fittings and valves shall comply with NFPA 58.
Maximum of 60 inches of metal flex hose allowed for each appliance to connect to the propane hard pipe.
Metal flex hose must not penetrate through walls, floor or ceiling to the interior of the vehicle. Rigid pipes are required when penetrating solid assemblies.
Manual shutoff valves on gas lines are required at the point of use (the appliance) and at the supply.
All new MFV units inspected after May 1, 2022, require a listed propane alarm be installed within the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Fire Extinguishers

All MFV units are required to have a 2A10BC fire extinguisher.
All MFV units with a fryer or using solid fuel (wood/charcoal) also require a Class K fire extinguisher.
All new MFV units inspected after May 1, 2022, are required to have a Class K fire extinguisher.
Each fire extinguisher is required to be mounted in a conspicuous location where it can be located quickly. All employees are required to have knowledge of the location and operation of all fire extinguishers.

Mobile Food Vendors must maintain compliance with fire codes and local ordinances at all times, and are subject to random field inspections by Austin Fire's Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fire Inspection Forms

The Propane System Inspection Report (PDF) | En Español (PDF) is required, annually, for all units with Liquid Propane Gas (LPG). The form must be completed by a licensed LPG plumber prior to the fire inspection.

The Electrical Inspection Form (PDF) | En Español (PDF) is required only for the initial permit inspection. MVUs that are renewing a permit do not need this form if it is already on file.

FAQs

What do I need to do in advance to prepare for my fire inspection?

Fire extinguishers need current annual service tags.
Fire suppression systems need a current semi-annual (six month) service tag.
Required forms (propane and/or electrical) filled out by a licensed professional.

My MFV unit is permitted in another jurisdiction and I'm in town for a special event. Do I need an Austin Fire permit?

Yes! Due to different jurisdictions having different IFC editions and requirements, all MFV units require an AFD inspection under the 2024 edition of the IFC.

Propane and/or electrical forms are required to be current within the last 90 days.

Additional requirements may be enforced depending on the event. Check with the event organizer.

What are common reasons for failing the fire inspection?

Expired service tags.
Forms missing or not filled out properly.
Missing the MFV license plate or VIN number.
License plate or VIN do not match on the form and the MFV unit.
Missing the licensed professional's credentials.
Disconnecting gas lines after the pressure test voids the form!
Propane not protected from damage.
Propane cylinders or piping is prohibited on the rear of an MFV unit.
Propane piping underneath vehicles must not be the first point of impact with the ground.

Does my MFV need a fire suppression system?

MFV units permitted after May 1, 2022, are required to have a fire suppression system compliant with IFC, if the unit has gas or electric appliances that produce grease laden vapors, i.e., stove tops, flat tops, charcoal grills, etc.

Email AFDMobileVending@austintexas.gov with questions about fire suppression system requirements.

I have an all-electric MFV (no propane). Do I need a fire inspection?

A fire inspection is required if the unit has appliances that produce grease vapors, i.e., electric range, cook top, charcoal grill, etc. A propane form is NOT required for MFV units that do not use propane.

MFV units that converted from propane to all-electric must remove all propane appliances and remove or cap all propane piping.

Contact Us

Email firepreventionadmin@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-0160, Option 2 for assistance with application or administrative questions.

Email afdmobilevending@austintexas.gov with technical questions.