Mobile Food Establishments
The City of Wharton requires all Mobile Food Establishment to obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the Code Enforcement Department. All permits expire on December 31st of the current year. Please review the four steps listed below to obtain a permit.
Step 1
Health Inspections are conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. All food vendors must first acquire a State Health Permit. The Mobile Food Unit Permit Application can be printed and returned or can filed online using the States Regulatory Service Online Licensing System. For assistance or additional information contact the Health Inspector Abigail Wright by phone (713) 904-0969 or email: Abigail.Wright@dshs.texas.gov. More information on obtaining a State Health Permit can be located here.
Step 2
Complete the City of Wharton Mobile Food Vendor Permit Application. Copies can by picked up at the Wharton Code Enforcement Department, 120 E Caney St., Wharton TX 77488.
As noted in the application form, applicants will also be required to include the following forms with their applications:
- Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit
- Mobile Food Vendor License
- Certified Food Manager Certificate(s)
- Copy of Liability Insurance
Step 3
Once you receive your Mobile Food Vendor License, schedule an inspection with the Code Enforcement Department by calling 979-532-2491 ext. 232.
Mobile food establishment inspections will be conducted at Guffey Park located at 255 W Caney St., Wharton, TX 77488. An appointment will be made for specific day-date-time.
Missed appointments will result in a re-inspection fee. Off-site inspections will not be conducted.
Re-Inspection fee will be $50.
The City of Wharton inspection requirement may be waived in certain circumstances where valid permits and certificates are in place from pre-approved entities. Notify the Code Enforcement Department if you have existing permits and certificates in place when you call to schedule your inspection. Please note that this DOES NOT exempt the State's Mobile Food Vendor License Requirement.
Step 4
Permit fee of $150, prorated through the end of the year at a rate of $12.50/month, will be required in order to obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit. City of Wharton accepts MasterCard, Visa, and Checks payable to City of Wharton as payment for Mobile Food Vendor Permit.
Related Documents
NOTE: Ordinance 2021-23 Mobile Food Courts & Mobile Food Establishments revisions were approved on November 22, 2021.
The City of Wharton Mobile Food Establishment Ordinance is available via the following links to the City of Wharton's Municipal Code library:
DIVISION 4. - MOBILE FOOD COURTS AND MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
Sec. 42-220. - Definitions.
Sec. 42-221. - Scope.
Sec. 42-221. - Registration - Permit requirements.
Sec. 42-223. - Exceptions.
Sec. 42-224. - Operation requirements.
Sec. 42-225. - Food truck courts.
Sec. 42-226. Hours of operation.
Sec. 42-227. - Signage.
Sec. 42-228. - Off-street vehicle parking.
Sec. 42-229. - Authority to enforce.
Sec. 42-230. - Permit and license revocation.
Sec. 42-231. - All codes and ordinances effective.
Sec. 42-232 - 42-235. - Reserved.
For more information or assistance, please contact Code Enforcement Department at (979) 532-2491.