Mobile Food Vending

A Mobile Vending Permit is required for your vehicle when selling food from a food truck, trailer, or pushcart.

Beginning July 1, 2026: House Bill 2844 states that all Mobile Food Vendors (MFV) must be licensed with the Texas Department of State Health Services to operate a Food Vending Vehicle (FVV) in the state of Texas. Previously, MFVs had to get licenses from local health departments for each local jurisdiction they operated in. Read more at Department of State Health Services (DSHS): Mobile Food Vendors | Texas DSHS.

NOTE: City Mobile Vending Inspections that are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only will end on June 30, 2026. After July 1, 2026, Mobile vending inspections will be scheduled by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Mobile Vending complaints or questions will need to be directed to 512-406-2644 or MobileFoodVendor@dshs.texas.gov.

Operating a Food Vending Vehicle

  • Mobile Food Vendors must have a DSHS license to operate.
  • Food Vending Vehicles may not operate with a temporary food permit. A Food Vending Vehicle does not mean a stand or booth.
  • All food must come from an approved source and be properly labeled.
  • All TCS food must be kept at proper temperatures.
  • Food Vending Vehicles may be stopped in a public street, or right-of-way, provided:
    • 50 feet away from an intersection.
    • Not prohibited to the standing or parking of vehicles.
    • All items are vended from the curbside or rear of the vehicle.
  • Mobile Food Vendors may not vend from a residential property.
  • Toilet rooms must be conveniently located and accessible to employees at all times during operations.
  • Parked on paved surface and clean surroundings.
  • Must be 300 feet from property line of any school one hour before, during or one hour after school.
  • The Food Vending Vehicle must be readily moveable at all times. Must be fully functional and free of any temporary utility connection, including electricity, water, and wastewater, at any location while operating or any location designated by the regulatory authority.
  • If a Food Vending Vehicle is operating with a propane tank, generator, or gas/charcoal/wood burning grill a fire inspection is required. Contact the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) at 210-207-8410 to schedule a fire inspection. A fire inspection is required yearly for the DSHS mobile vending license.

Location Requirements 

Downtown Business District

Vendors wishing to operate in the “Downtown Business District” must obtain a special permit issued by the Center City Development & Operations Department CCDO).

Phone: 210-207-3677

The definition of the district from the Unified Development Code: "Downtown Business District" shall include the area described as follows: Start at the intersection of Salado and El Paso Streets; north on Salado/Haven for Hope Way to its intersection with Frio Street; thence northeast in a straight line to the intersection of IH-10 and Cadwallader; south on IH-10 to IH-35; northeast on IH-35 to a perpendicular point connecting with Cherry Street; south on Cherry Street to César E. Chávez Boulevard; west on César E. Chávez Boulevard to the San Antonio River; south along the San Antonio River to Arsenal Street; west on Arsenal to El Paso Street; and then west on El Paso to Salado.

City Parks

Vendors interested in operating at any City park must obtain permission from the Parks and Recreation Department.

Phone: 210-207-8480

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