Texas city permit guide
Houston mobile food units have a detailed document stack: local MFU permit and medallion during the transition, DSHS licensing after July 1, 2026, annual fire inspection, CPF support, restroom letters, property letters, plans, insurance, and SOPs.
Last reviewed May 2026. This guide is informational and is not legal advice.
Permit checklist
The exact checklist depends on the address, business model, operating details, and whether the site is new, remodeled, changing use, or changing ownership.
Also seen as: MFU permit, medallion, mobile food unit inspection
Houston says City MFU permits and medallions will no longer be valid after June 2026, and operators must obtain a DSHS-issued permit beginning July 1, 2026.
Also seen as: state mobile food unit permit, HB 2844 license transition
Beginning July 1, 2026, Houston says operators must apply for and obtain a DSHS permit and payment receipt, then contact Houston Health Department to schedule inspection.
Also seen as: HFD MFU annual fire inspection, temporary event fire inspection
Houston notes annual fire inspection information has changed, and temporary fire inspections are valid only for the event.
Also connected to: commissary, location list, SOP, Health 1-8, menu disclosure
Houston lists required physical documents including MFU plans, vehicle insurance, menu disclosure, list of locations, restroom letter, property letter, Health 1-8, and SOP form.
Why it gets missed
City permits/medallions sunset as DSHS permitting becomes required statewide in July 2026.
A truck can need both health documentation and HFD fire inspection records.
Operators may need to show plans, letters, insurance, SOPs, and disclosures.
Houston notes change-of-ownership MFUs require application and plan review fee steps.
PermitWatchdog workflow
PermitWatchdog tracks the Houston MFU transition, DSHS permit, fire inspection, CPF and support letters, and operating document packet by renewal date.
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