Corpus Christi Fire Prevention runs two permits for food trucks under the 2021 International Fire Code: an annual mobile food vehicle/trailer permit at $50.00 per inspection and a separate annual liquefied petroleum gas permit at $100.00 (CCFD fee schedule effective October 1, 2024). The requirements are published in English and Spanish.
What CCFD checks: LP-gas not over 200 lb, a listed UL 2075 LP-gas alarm, a Type I hood over grease-producing appliances, a 2A10BC extinguisher with an annual certificate, a Class K for fryers, generators at least 12 ft from cooking, at least 10 ft between vendors, and — since 2025 — ANSI Z21.69/CSA 6.16 gas lines and leak alarms on new and existing mobile kitchens.
- 💵 $50.00 per inspection — annual mobile food vehicle/trailer permit · $100.00 annually — LP-gas permit. (CCFD fee schedule, eff. 10/1/2024)
- 🔥 200 lb propane cap, UL 2075 gas alarm, Type I hood, 2A10BC + Class K extinguishers, generators ≥ 12 ft from cooking, ≥ 10 ft between vendors.
- 📅 Annual inspection per IFC 319.10.3.
- 🪪 Local food handler card still required for every employee within 30 days — Health District program, $12.00 cash (flyer), Spanish class the 3rd Thursday.
- 📞 CCFD Fire Prevention (361) 826-3930.
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. Corpus Christi food truck permit — everything else (DSHS + local).
Who needs it — and who doesn't
- REQUIRED: Mobile food preparation vehicles and trailers operating in Corpus Christi — the CCFD requirements apply to units with cooking, and the LP-gas permit applies to units using propane.
- NOT REQUIRED / CONFIRM: The published requirements do not describe an exemption for no-cook, no-propane units. Ask Fire Prevention before you assume — and note the Health District food handler card applies to every food employee regardless.
What it costs
| Fee | Amount | As published |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile food vehicle/trailer — annual permit | $50.00 per inspection | "Mobile food vehicle/trailer (Annual permit) 50.00 per inspection." |
| Liquefied petroleum gas permit | $100.00 annually | "Liquified petroleum gas 100.00 annually." |
| Local food handler permit (Health District, not fire) | $12.00 | Health District flyer: "$12.00 (cash only)" — the flyer predates HB 2844, but the food handler program is current on the Health District's Classes page. |
Fee source: CCFD — Fire Department Permit Fees (PDF, effective October 1, 2024) · September 30, 2026
How to get it, step by step
Process source: CCFD — Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle requirements (PDF)
Timing and validity
- Annual inspection per IFC 319.10.3; both fire permits are annual.
- For events: hood suppression serviced within the last 6 months, fuel line system tested within 12 months, extinguishers serviced and tagged within 12 months (CCFD event vendor requirements).
What the inspector checks
- LP-gas aggregate not over 200 lb
- Listed UL 2075 LP-gas alarm
- Type I hood over grease-producing appliances
- 2A10BC extinguisher with an annual certificate
- Class K extinguisher for fryers
- Generators at least 12 ft from cooking operations
- At least 10 ft between vendors
- ANSI Z21.69 / CSA 6.16 gas lines and gas leak alarms (2025 note — new and existing mobile kitchens)
- Annual inspection per IFC 319.10.3
Checklist source: CCFD — Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle requirements (PDF, English; Spanish version also published)
Who to contact
What we could not verify
Common questions
How much is the Corpus Christi food truck fire permit?
The CCFD fee schedule (effective October 1, 2024) lists the annual mobile food vehicle/trailer permit at $50.00 per inspection and the annual liquefied petroleum gas permit at $100.00.
What does the Corpus Christi Fire Department require on a food truck?
Per the published Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle requirements: LP-gas not over 200 lb, a listed UL 2075 gas alarm, a Type I hood over grease-producing appliances, a 2A10BC extinguisher with an annual certificate, a Class K for fryers, generators at least 12 ft from cooking, at least 10 ft between vendors, and ANSI Z21.69/CSA 6.16 gas lines with leak alarms.
Do my employees still need a Corpus Christi food handler card?
Yes. The Corpus Christi–Nueces County Public Health District requires every food employee to complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of employment and issues its own local card ($12.00 cash per the district flyer). That is separate from your DSHS license.
Does the DSHS license replace the Corpus Christi fire permit?
No. The Health District states DSHS licenses all mobile food vendors since July 1, 2026, but fire permits are CCFD's and still apply.
Sources
- CCFD — Fire Department Permit Fees (eff. 10/1/2024)
- CCFD — Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle requirements (English)
- CCFD — Event Vendor Requirements
- Health District — Classes & Food Handler Permits (DSHS notice)
- Health District — Food Truck flyer ($12 food handler permit; pre-HB 2844)
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