Mobile Food Establishment

A valid permit issued by the regulatory authority is required to operate a mobile food establishment. Each mobile unit must be inspected by the regulatory authority before a permit will be issued.

Important Update for Mobile Food Vendors Operating in Lewisville

Effective July 1, 2026, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will become the primary regulatory authority responsible for permitting and inspecting Mobile Food Units (MFUs) operating in Texas. 

As a result, the City of Lewisville Health Services Division will no longer issue permits or conduct routine health inspections for Mobile Food Units beginning July 1, 2026. Mobile food vendors seeking to obtain or renew a permit must contact DSHS directly for permitting, inspection, and regulatory requirements. 

What This Means for Mobile Food Vendors

While food safety permitting and inspections will transition to DSHS, mobile food vendors operating within the City of Lewisville must continue to comply with all applicable local requirements, including:

• Zoning regulations
• Fire Code requirements
• Right-of-way regulations
• Special event requirements
• Any other applicable City ordinances

Obtaining a state permit does not exempt a mobile food vendor from complying with local regulations governing where and how a mobile food unit may operate within the city. 

About House Bill 2844

This change is the result of House Bill 2844, approved by the Texas Legislature during the 89th Legislative Session. The legislation establishes a statewide regulatory framework for Mobile Food Units and designates DSHS as the primary authority for permitting and inspection activities. 

The goal of HB 2844 is to create consistency in the regulation of mobile food vendors across Texas by allowing operators to obtain a single state-issued permit rather than navigating multiple local permitting processes. 

Additional Information

Mobile food vendors are encouraged to review DSHS requirements and ensure they obtain the appropriate state permit before operating on or after July 1, 2026. Vendors operating without a valid permit issued by DSHS will be subject to enforcement actions. 

For information regarding state permitting requirements and the application process, visit the DSHS website: Texas Department of State Health Services | Mobile Food Vendors. 

The City of Lewisville remains committed to supporting local businesses while ensuring compliance with applicable state and local regulations. 

Food Trucks in Parks Program

The City of Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department offers a Food Trucks in Parks Program that Mobile Food Trucks can apply for online. Read more about the Food Trucks In Parks Program. 

Restricted operations

1. It is unlawful for mobile food establishments to sell food on any street, median, or sidewalk of the city or residential property, except for ice cream through limited service pushcarts.
2. It is unlawful for mobile food establishments to sell food within city parks unless the vendors participate in the Food Trucks In Parks Program. 
3. Mobile food units will be subject to inspection in the field.
4. It is unlawful for a mobile food establishment to operate within 1,000 feet of a school, an event operating with a special event permit, or a city-operated event.