statewide permitting system for Texas food truck operators<\/a> took effect Wednesday, eliminating the need for operators to pay separate permit fees in every city or county where they do business.<\/p>\nThe change is expected to bring significant savings for food truck owners who operate across multiple jurisdictions.<\/p>\n
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Under the new law, food truck operators now pay one fee to the state instead of paying different permit fees to each city or county where they sell food.<\/p>\n
Previously, operators could pay between $300 and more than $1,000 for permit application and pre-licensing fees, depending on where they operated. They could also pay up to $500 for an inspection, depending on the type of food they prepared and sold.<\/p>\n
Boot Shooters BBQ has been operating for six years and has had to pay for multiple permits and inspections because it serves customers in different locations.<\/p>\n
Co-owner Damon Uherek said those costs became a major expense.<\/p>\n
“Between all of the different jurisdictions we have, it’s upwards of $3,000 a year just for the permits,” he said.<\/p>\n
He also questioned why operators had to navigate multiple permitting systems.<\/p>\n
“The requirements are basically all the same, which kind of doesn’t make any sense,” he said.<\/p>\n
The company is hopeful the new statewide system will bring relief.<\/p>\n
The Texas Department of State Health Services says it plans to contract with local governments to continue much of the on-the-ground work, including inspections. The new system simplifies the permitting process for food truck operators while allowing local governments to continue conducting inspections.<\/p>\n
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at\u00a0newstips@khou.com<\/a>\u00a0or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"“It’s upwards of $3,000 a year” \u2014 one Houston food truck owner explains what’s changing.
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