If your unit has propane or any appliance producing grease-laden vapors, the Austin Fire Department requires its own inspection and annual permit — temporary or permanent operation alike. AFD is explicit about the other side too: "Fire permits are not required for MFV units that do not have propane and do not have cooking equipment (i.e, those that serve ice cream, coffee, etc.)."
The fee is $222, and a failed, missed, or late inspection means a new $222 to reschedule. You apply online with an AB+C portal ID (processing up to three business days), then pay the invoice under "My Bills." Below: the documents AFD wants, the checklist items that fail trucks, and what changes outside city limits.
- 🔥 Propane or grease-laden vapors = AFD permit. No propane and no cooking (ice cream, coffee) = no fire permit. (AFD)
- 💵 $222 initial inspection. $222 again to reschedule after a failure, no-show, or late arrival.
- 💻 Apply online with an AB+C portal ID (7 digits, 5XXXXXX). Up to 3 business days to process; pay under "My Bills."
- 📄 Two reports: a Propane System Inspection Report by a licensed LPG plumber and (for permits after May 1, 2022) an electrical inspection report by a master electrician on AFD's form. Both forms are published in Spanish.
- 🗺️ Outside Austin but in Travis County? The Travis County Fire Marshal permits you instead (tcfmopermits.com).
Your DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License is the health license and it is statewide. Fire is still local. Two agencies, two fees, two inspections — budget both and do them in the order below. Austin food truck permit — everything else (DSHS + local).
Who needs it — and who doesn't
- REQUIRED: Mobile food vendors with propane or appliances producing grease-laden vapors (cooking equipment), whether operating temporarily or permanently in the City of Austin.
- NOT REQUIRED / CONFIRM: "Fire permits are not required for MFV units that do not have propane and do not have cooking equipment (i.e, those that serve ice cream, coffee, etc.)." — AFD.
What it costs
| Fee | Amount | As published |
|---|---|---|
| AFD mobile food vending inspection (annual permit) | $222 | "$222" initial inspection fee. |
| Re-inspection after failure / no-show / late arrival | $222 | A new $222 fee is required to reschedule. |
Fee source: Austin Fire — Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections · September 30, 2026
How to get it, step by step
Process source: Austin Fire — Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections
Timing and validity
- Annual permit, issued when the inspection passes.
- Processing up to three business days from application; then payment; then scheduling. Do not book your opening day around a same-week inspection.
What the inspector checks
- 2A10BC fire extinguisher with a current annual inspection tag
- Propane System Inspection Report completed by a licensed LPG plumber
- Class K fire extinguisher with annual tag (frying / solid fuel)
- For permits issued after May 1, 2022: Class 1 hood automatic fire suppression system with a semi-annual inspection tag
- Explosive-gas detector
- Electrical inspection report on the AFD form, by a master electrician
- GFCI protection on all outlets
- Propane container capacity no more than 200 lb
- Propane relief valve at least 3 ft from any vehicle opening
- No more than 60 inches of metal flex hose per appliance
- Manual shutoff valves at the point of use and at the supply
Checklist source: Austin Fire — Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections
Who to contact
What we could not verify
Common questions
How much is the Austin food truck fire permit?
The Austin Fire Department lists a $222 fee for the mobile food vending fire inspection. If the inspection fails, or you miss it or arrive late, a new $222 fee is required to reschedule.
Does my coffee cart or ice cream truck need an Austin fire permit?
No. AFD states fire permits are not required for units that do not have propane and do not have cooking equipment, such as those serving ice cream or coffee.
What documents does the Austin Fire Department require for a food truck?
A Propane System Inspection Report completed by a licensed LPG plumber, and — for permits issued after May 1, 2022 — an electrical inspection report on AFD's form completed by a master electrician, plus tagged 2A10BC and (where applicable) Class K extinguishers, a Class 1 hood suppression system with a semi-annual tag, and an explosive-gas detector. The propane and electrical forms are available in Spanish.
I operate outside Austin city limits. Who inspects me?
If you are in Travis County but outside the City of Austin, the Travis County Fire Marshal's Office permits mobile food vendors — apply through tcfmopermits.com. The county publishes its own requirements and propane/electrical inspection forms.
Sources
- Austin Fire — Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections (fee, exemption, process, checklist)
- Austin Public Health — Mobile Food Vendors (transfer to DSHS)
- Travis County Fire Marshal — Mobile Food Vendors
Published: September 30, 2026. Official pages read: September 30, 2026. Every fee and rule on this page is quoted from the official source named next to it. Local rules change without notice — if the city tells you something different, call us and we will check it against the source and log the correction, dated, on our updates page. Texas Food Truck Permits is an independent compliance service, not affiliated with any fire marshal's office, DSHS, or any government agency.
Reported by: Texas Food Truck Permits · Rolando Garza, licensed Texas food truck operator