Mobile Food Unit TYPES OF PERMIT APPLICATIONS
APPLICATION & OPERATIONAL FEE RANGES Catering Vehicle Permit $ 225 Mobile Food Unit
$ 450-500 full service , $ 350-400 limited service Temporary Mobile Permit $ 140-190 + $ 5 per day ( single event up to 14 days ) Seasonal Market Mobile Permit $ 200-250 ( single event up to 180 days )
The Mobile Food Unit Permit Application is based upon state and local requirements . The Texas Food Establishment Rules ( TFER ) defines a Mobile Food Unit ( MFU ) as a vehicle-mounted , self or otherwise propelled , self-contained food service operation , designed to be readily moveable ( including but not limited to catering trucks , trailers , push carts , and roadside vendors ) and used to store , prepare , display , serve , or sell food . Mobile units must always completely retain their mobility . A MFU is not a stand or a booth . A roadside food vendor and pushcart may be licensed as an MFU .
A MFU must comply with the following to operate in the city : 1 . The MFU has a valid Mobile Food Unit Permit issued by the City and complies with all applicable laws and regulations .
2 . The MFU is operated on City property at a major sports complex , in association with a permitted Special Event with permission from the event organizer or under a Mobile Food Unit Certificate of Occupancy . Routes must be pre-approved by the Health Division .
3 . MFUs may not park on City right-of-way unless it is closed with approval of the Arlington Police Department .
4 . All food must be prepared or cooked at a central preparation facility ( commissary ) or on the mobile unit at the time of operation . A commissary may provide anything from a source for obtaining potable water and disposing of wastewater , storage for food and supplies , or cooking facilities to prepare the food for sale and consumption . Home preparation or storage of food is prohibited .
Home-Based Food Business
The Texas Cottage Food Production Operation Law allows individuals to operate a food-based business from home . The law is defined as an individual , operating out of the individual ’ s home , who :
• Produces a baked good ; candy ; coated and uncoated nuts ; unroasted nut butters ; fruit butters , a canned jam or jelly ; a fruit pie ; dehydrated fruit or vegetables , including dried beans , popcorn and popcorn snacks ; cereal , including granola ; dry mix ; vinegar ; pickles ; mustard ; roasted coffee or dry tea ; or a dried herb or dried herb mix .
• Has an annual gross income of $ 50,000 or less from the sale of the described foods ; and sells the foods produced directly to consumers at the individual ’ s home , a farmers ’ market , a farm stand , or a municipal , county , or nonprofit fair , festival or event .
• Delivers products to the consumer at the point of sale or another location designated by the consumer .
A Home-Based Business permit is required and an application can be found at ArlingtonPermits . com . The City of Arlington does not require a health permit for this type of food establishment . However , the City has authority to act to prevent an immediate and serious threat to human life or health through emergency order , recall orders and delegation of powers or duties .
A full list of requirements can be found on the City ’ s website under business , health services .
19