Below is a table that shows the 10 recommendations put forward by Snappy Snacks, the vote from Mobile Vendor Input and the recommendations the Health department will make to Public Health and Human Services subcommittee of the City Council on April 20th 2010 at 3PM City Hall Boards and Commissions room

Issues To Be Presented to Council
Proposal Presented to the City CouncilMobile Vendor InputStaff Recommendation
1. Proof of Liability InsuranceYes (Product)Yes, proof of product liability
2. Notarized Documentation of Daily Commissary UseUndecided (split) No, State rules do not address frequency of central prep use
3. Proof of Texas Sales and Tax Use permitYes Yes, would be a part of the application packet process
4. Itinerary for Truck RoutesUndecided (split) Yes, increases enforcement capabilities for food borne illness investigations. Includes MV's at one location
5. Written agreement with Property Owner to Vend on Private PropertyUndecided (split) No, no city/state regulations pertaining to the agreement
6.Written permission to use Restrooms at Work SiteNo Yes, health implications. Specific requirements to be determined by health department
7. Certification of CommissariesYes Yes, notarized for both restricted and unrestricted MVs
8. Commercially Manufactured Unit or Unit Plans RequiredUndecided (split) Yes, plan may be required for application process
9. Retention Tank / Grease TrapNo Regulated by COA Industrial Waste
10. Low Propane gas unitsAlready in code included with AFD Inspection Yes, Inspection will be required by AFD during permit application process

Because Snappy Snacks felt there were too many dangerous taco trucks with illegal propane setups, we will now how Austin Fire Department involved in the inspection and approval of our trucks and trailers. The following is the Draft Proposal of the new AFD requirements

Austin Fire Department

Mobile Food Vending Checklist

Location of Mobile Units

  • Fixed Units shall not be closer than 20 feet away from any structure
  • All Mobile Units must remain at least 3 fee away form any fire hydrant.
  • All Mobile Units shall not block access to a Fire Department Connection (FDC)
  • All Mobile shan not obstruct any access or exit from a structure


Electricity Issues

  • Mobile Units shall not use electricity from a nearby structure
  • No excessive use of extension cords

  • Design Construction/Plan Review
    • Homemade Mobile Units shall be inspected for safety
    • Commercial Manufactured Mobile Units shall be used as they are designed and for their intended purpose.
    • Exiting of mobile units shall not be obstructed
    • Plans may be required for Mobile Units

    Propane Cylinder Issue
    • A Hazardous Material Permit will be required from the Austin Fire Department for all fixed mobile food vending units using propane at a location for more than 30 days.
    • Propane cylinders shall not be located in the following locations:
    • -On rear bumpers
      -Underneath the vehicle frame
      -In the trucks or beds of vehicle
      -Inside personal vehicles
    • Cooking/heating appliances located on the Mobile Units shall be UL listed and shall conform to the terms of its listing.
    • Piping shall be designed for propane. All valves, hoses and devices shall be listed for propane
    • A manual shutoff shall be provided at the point of use and at the supply
    • Compartments used for the storage of propane shall be properly vented
    • The relief discharge from propane cylinder shall not be less than 3 ft measured horizontally along the surface of the vehicle to:
    • -Openings in the vehicle
      -Propane burning appliance intake
      -Exhaust vents and all internal combustion engine exhaust terminations when below the level of exit discharge

    Fire Extinguishers
    • Each Mobile Unit will be required to have a proper fire extinguisher inside their vehicle (1-2A10BC fire extinguisher)
    • Each fire extinguisher will need to be mounted in a conspicuous location where it will be located quickly
    • Each fire extinguisher will need to be service annual and maintain a current green tag confirming its status

    AFD Mobile Vending Permit (Annual Permit)
    • $100.00 fee for Fixed Site Inspections. An AFD Fire Inspector will be required to come to the job site and conduct a complete Fire Inspection.
    • $50.00 for Non-Fixed Inpsection (Mobile Units)
    • -The Mobile Units will be required to come by the AFD Prevention Office for a Fire Inspections (515 Barton Springs Road)

      Proposed Checklist for NEW Application Process


      WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOUR NEW MOBILE FOOD UNIT IS INSPECTED


      A. Restricted and Unrestricted Mobile Food Units
      1. Current proof of product liability insurance
      2. Current proof of identification
      3. An original, notarized letter from an approved central preparation facility dated withing the last 30 days authorizing use.
      4. Submit plans for approval
      5. A current route list or itinerary to be provided quarterly
       a) If mobile vendor is at a single location, then a wastewater hauler contract must be provided
      6. $125 application fee (proposed new fee)
      7. Valid Sales Tax Permit (available at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxpermit)
      8. Signed and approved inspection report from Austin Fire Department


      Proposed Checklist for Application Process


      WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU, OR INCLUDE WHEN RENEWING YOUR HEALTH PERMIT


      A. Restricted Mobile Food Units
      1. Current proof of product liability insurance
      2. Current proof of identification
      3. An original, notarized letter from an approved central preparation facility dated withing the last 30 days authorizing use.
      4. Submit plans for approval (if plans have never been submitted)
      5. A current route list or itinerary to be provided quarterly
       a) If contracted with an approved wastewater hauler, trip tickets must be provided
      6. $125 application fee (proposed new fee)
      7. Valid Sales Tax Permit (available at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxpermit)
      8. Trip log from an approved central preparation facility may be requried verifying that the unit has been properly serviced for the previous year.
      9. Signed and approved inspection report from Austin Fire Department


      Effective Date of Changes

      October 1, 2010

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