*** Effective September 1, 2023, any mobile food unit (MFU) vendor conducting business in multiple municipalities within Dallas County is now required to secure a permit from the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department. MFU vendors operating in the Dallas County portion of the city and other municipalities within the county no longer need to obtain an annual permit from the City of Richardson Health Department.

It's essential to note that while an MFU permit issued by Dallas County is in effect, it does not exempt MFUs from adhering to Richardson's local laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, parking, non-food truck restrictions, as well as requirements for police and fire permits, and other relevant ordinances. If MFU vendors operate on the Collin County side of the city, they are still required to obtain an annual permit from the Richardson Health Department.

MFUs participating in only temporary special events within the city are still obligated to obtain a temporary event food permit. ***

The City of Richardson does not allow trailers, pushcarts, or stand-alone kiosks as a mobile food vendor.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF MOBILE FOOD VENDORS PERMITTED IN RICHARDSON

CITY OF RICHARDSON MOBILE FOOD VENDOR ORDINANCE

$350 for mobile food vendor with food preparation
$250 for mobile food vendor with only prepackaged food (no food preparation)

 STEP 1 - Apply for a Solicitors Permit

The first step is to apply for a Solicitors Permit from the Richardson Police Department. This applies to all mobile food vendors who operate within the city, in both Dallas and Collin Counties. A link to the Police Department’s website is provided below. The Police Department will send your Solicitors Permit to the Health Department in 3 – 5 days after submitting your application. 

Link to Solicitors Permit Application

STEP 2 – Apply for a Fire Permit

*This step is only for mobile food units with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors. If this does not apply to you, please skip to Step 3.

After applying for a Solicitors Permit, you will need to submit an Operational Permit Application with the Richardson Fire Department. This applies to all mobile food vendors who operate within the city, in both Dallas and Collin Counties, if applicable. Please contact the Fire Department at (972) 744-5750 to schedule your fire inspection. You can only move forward to Step 3 after receiving approval from the Fire Department.

Link to Fire Permit Information and Application
Mobile Food Vendor Permit Guide

STEP 3 - Apply for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit

After applying for a Solicitors Permit and a Fire Permit, if applicable, you will need to submit a Mobile Food Vendor Permit Application with the Richardson Health Department. The following forms are required to be completed as part of your application:

• Permit application
• Commissary authorization letter
• Commissary Inspection Report
• Operating schedule (form)
• Permission to use facilities (form)
• Required written procedures
• Certified Food Manager Certification
• Menu

Click here to email completed forms to Health Department or drop off completed forms to the Health Department front counter at 2360 Campbell Creek Boulevard, Suite 550 in Richardson.

STEP 4 - Schedule Truck Inspection Appointment

When the Health Department receives the Solicitors Permit from the Police Department and all completed forms of the Mobile Food Vendor Permit Application have been submitted, a Health Department representative will contact the applicant to schedule an inspection appointment.

Arriving for your vehicle inspection:

Click HERE for a checklist to prepare you for your inspection

Location: 

Temporary City Hall Annex
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Suite 550
Richardson, TX 75082

Once your vehicle passes inspection, you will contact the main Health Department at (972) 744-4080 to pay the permit fee or submit payment to the Health Department front counter. You will receive your permit in the mail in approximately 1-3 weeks.