The Austin Fire Department (AFD) conducts mobile food vending (MFV) inspections for vendors operating within the City of Austin. These inspections are part of the process required to obtain and maintain annual MFV permits, which also requires a permit to be issued by Austin Public Health (APH).
- Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspection Criteria
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As of May 1, 2022, AFD enforces the mobile food preparation vehicles section of the International Fire Code (IFC) for mobile food units (MFUs) that:
- Use propane
- Use electric cooking appliances that create smoke or grease vapors
As of October 1, 2023, a fire permit is required for vendors that meet either of those criteria, even if operating temporarily in Austin.
Fire inspections are not required for MVUs that do not have propane and do not have cooking equipment (i.e, those that serve ice cream, coffee, etc.). These MVUs may still be required to fulfill other elements of Austin Public Health's mobile food vendor permitting process.
Mobile food vendors caught operating within Austin without a valid permit will be shut down and a citation will be issued to the operator.
- Inspection & Permit Process
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APH schedules and collects fees for annual health and fire permit inspections. In order to minimize disruption to mobile food vendors, these inspections are performed concurrently at 1520 Rutherford Lane in the facility's parking lot, on the Cameron Road side of the building.
For more information, visit this APH Mobile Food Vendors page.
- Mobile Food Vendor Jurisdiction
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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 MVU will operate to AFDMobileVending@austintexas.gov.
- Fire Inspection Fees
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If an MVU fails, misses or is late for the fire/health inspection appointment, payment of a new fire inspection fee is required to reschedule.
- Fail: The MVU does not meet fire code requirements during inspection.
- Late: The MVU is not ready for inspection or arrives more than 15 minutes after the appointment time.
- No-show: The MVU fails to show up for the inspection.
Tip: Please review the APH website, be prepared and on time to avoid extra fees!
All fire inspection fees are collected by Austin Public Health. Email ehsd.information@austintexas.gov with questions about the fee collection process.
- Fire Code Requirements for MVU Inspections
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View the AFD MVU Checklist | En Español for a list of requirements.
Please note that AFD enforces International Fire Code for inspections and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 96 which prohibits propane piping or cylinders located on the top, sides and rear of mobile food vending units (MVUs).
Email AFDMobileVending@austintexas.gov with questions.
- Fire Inspection Forms
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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
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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 MVU 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 MVUs 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 MVU license plate or VIN number.
- License plate or VIN do not match on the form and the MVU.
- 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 MVUs.
- Propane piping underneath vehicles must not be the first point of impact with the ground.
Does my MVU need a fire suppression system?
MVUs 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 MVU (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 MVUs that do not use propane.
MVUs that converted from propane to all-electric must remove all propane appliances and remove or cap all propane piping.
Email AFDMobileVending@austintexas.gov with questions or for additional assistance.