City council members voted to add two fees for mobile vendor on-site inspections at Thursday’s meeting.
AUSTIN, Texas — This week, Austin City Council members voted to allow food truck vendors the opportunity to get permits that would allow them to remain in their respective locations, while city health officials came to inspect them.
The decision comes after multiple complaints and concerns were raised over the loss of revenue vendors face when having to close down and move their trucks for inspection.
There are 1,500 food truck vendors in the City of Austin that for over a year have been promised change in the safety and health inspection process. The resolution to allow the city manager explore solutions related to permit applications was passed in March 2024.
City council members voted to add two fees for mobile vendor on-site inspections at Thursday’s meeting.
Manuel Betancourt owns 16 food trucks in the Austin area, and said this decision is an answered prayer.
“This is something we have been praying for,” Betancourt said. “I believe that it’s something good for the industry.”
The original rule made it difficult for food truck vendors to pack up their trucks and transport them to a facility in North Austin. The trucks would have to close and suffer a loss of revenue.
“Every time you have to move it, you have to close, you have to take out everything, like all the tools and the product to go there,” Betancourt said. “So of course you end up loosing a lot of opening time.”
Though the permits bring an added cost, the new rule would avoid these complications, and city leaders say many owners would rather pay to avoid the hassle of moving their trucks.
The program goes into effect this month. Betancourt said he has plans to get permits, saying he already has four appointments scheduled for next week.