Information About Becoming a Mobile Food Unit

NOTE: This is an overview of steps needed to open a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) in Pittsburg, Texas. Read Ordinance 919-21 for complete details and requirements. If you are interested in operating a Mobile Food Unit, you can contact City Hall at (903) 856-3621 with any questions.

Step One: Obtain City Permits and Licensing             

• Valid vehicle registration
• Proof of vehicle liability insurance 
• Texas Sales Tax Permit
• Current Certified Food Manager & Food Handler Certificate 
• The unit is required to be inspected by city food service inspector. Contact City Hall to schedule.

Step Two: Find a Qualified Location 

(Full Mobile Food Unit Regulations)          

• Must be located on a lot with an existing business that is operating in a permitted building
• Located on a hard surface lot
• Must be within 500 ft of the primary business and professionally plumbed restrooms
• Written permission from business owner to utilize lot and restrooms
• MFU must be moved daily and stay no longer than 12 hours
• Can only operate during operation hours of primary permitted business
• Prohibited in Main Street Overlay District

Step Three: Application            

• Application must be filled out completely
• Pay the associated fee at City Hall
  • $300 - Annual
  • $175 - Temporary (nor more than 7 days) $35 associated with permitted event only
• Submit Application to Building Official at City Hall  
• Building Official has 5 days to review plan - 24-hour notice is required for all inspections 

Step Four: Open for Business

• Requires two inspections a year by city food service inspector

If you are interested in operating a Mobile Food Unit, you can contact City Hall at 903-856-3621 with any questions.