What permits do you need to open a food truck in Odessa?

Mobile Food Vendor Permit

Odessa Code § 6-6-6(a)(4) sets the fee at $300 for an annual permit, which may be prorated, or $50 per event for a single event permit; the city's Food Truck Vendor Information page publishes the same figures and describes the March 2025 amendment as making permitting much easier. Annual permits expire on 31 December of the year issued. The sequence matters more than the fee: the Ector County Health Department must permit the unit FIRST, then the application goes through the MGO Connect portal with the county permit, a notarised hold harmless and indemnification agreement, proof of liability insurance and a signed and notarised location and restroom agreement, and the unit must pass a Fire Marshal inspection before the operational permit is issued and service begins. Mobile food establishments are held to Chapter 319 of the 2021 International Fire Code. The Fire Marshal fee schedule separately lists a $150 mobile food preparation vehicle operational permit (IFC 105.5.32); the food truck page does not say whether that is covered by this permit or charged on top, so ask the Fire Marshal on 432-257-0524 before budgeting. Cash or cheque payers go to Billing and Collections at City Hall, 411 W. 8th Street, first, then take the receipt to the Fire Marshal at 307 N. Lee (2nd floor).

Mobile Food Vendor Permit (State)

Since 1 July 2026 one DSHS permit covers every Texas jurisdiction, replacing separate permits from each local health department. Three tiers by food handling: Type I (no time/temperature controlled foods) $309 with no pre-licensing inspection fee; Type II (limited TCS handling) $618 plus a $400 pre-licensing inspection; Type III (full preparation) $876 plus a $500 pre-licensing inspection. The license expires one year from the successfully completed pre-licensing inspection, not from the application date. Temporary food dealer permits could not be issued to mobile vendors in Texas after 30 June 2026.

Shared with other businesses in Odessa

• Temporary Food Permit — Ector County — Ector County Health Department, Two current documents publish different amounts (Odessa Code § 6-6-32 and the Ector County Health Department's October 2025 schedule), so no single figure is shown; the Ector County Health Department states the amount payable., single event (Odessa Code § 6-6-31 limits a temporary permit to 14 consecutive days). Also required for restaurants and coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the restaurants page.