Special by Lindsay Hajek, Assistant Director of Main Street and Destination Seguin
(Seguin) — A new statewide licensing system for food trucks is making it easier for vendors from across Texas to do business in Seguin, creating new opportunities for communityevents to attract a wider variety of food vendors.
Mobile food vendors are now required to obtain a license through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Created through House Bill 2844, the statewide license replaces a system in which vendors were required to obtain a separate license from each city where they operated.
“The State of Texas has taken over the issuing of licenses for food trucks,” said Terrance Root, health inspector with the City of Seguin’s Code Compliance and Environmental Health Department. “The State of Texas will issue one license that will allow the food trucks to vend anywhere in the State of Texas.”
The City of Seguin is not partnered with DSHS to conduct inspections of mobile food vendors, so the City no longer conducts health inspections of food trucks.
While the statewide license simplifies the health licensing process, it does not mean food trucks can park and operate anywhere in Seguin.
“There are still zoning laws that apply to food trucks, such as no vending in residential areas,” Root said.
Seguin’s Unified Development Code includes regulations governing mobile food vendors and mobile food vendor parks. Food truck operators should make sure the property where they plan to operate allows mobile food vending under the city’s zoning regulations.
For vendors participating in a City of Seguin event, additional event-specific rules may also apply. Food truck operators interested in participating in events such as Earth Day, Pecan Fest or the Summer Concert Series, should contact the Main Street & Destination Seguin department for information about vendor requirements and the application process.
For questions about the new statewide license, Root recommends going directly to DSHS.
“I check this website for any questions about food trucks,” Root said.
For more information about the Texas Mobile Food Vendor license, applications and requirements, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services at: dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/permits-retail-food-establishments/mobile-food-vendors