Food Truck Requirements in Texas. Part 4 – Vehicle, Parking, And Zoning
Every business owner wants to find the best spot for their food truck. The worst thing that can happen is to end up in a place where you know your food will not be popular, and no one will want it.
However, a great thing about food trucks is that you can move from zone to zone and find the right spot where you know you will get more customers.
But, there are requirements for parking your food truck in certain areas — especially since you will probably spend a lot of time parked in the same spot. You need to make sure that when you park your vehicle on public property or private land without permission, this does not violate any local codes, including zoning ordinances.
We’ve compiled some information on the requirements you need for your food truck as a vehicle, permits, or requirements needed for zoning, parking, and other considerations.
Zoning, Parking, and Others
If you own a food truck, it is important to consider zoning and parking requirements.
Food trucks must comply with parking regulations in Texas cities when serving customers on the street. A city cannot require a permit to operate if your vehicle doesn’t exceed six-and-a-half feet in width and 14-and-a half feet in length.
You must also be a minimum of 100 feet from any intersection or stop sign if the vehicle is on the street with a speed limit not exceeding 30 miles per hour, 40 when it exceeds that speed.
In addition to zoning compliance, food truck owners should know traffic laws and regulations. They must not interfere with traffic and must safely pull off the road in an emergency for passengers and pedestrians on foot.
They are also required to maintain a fire extinguisher that is properly labeled with instructions and at least five feet of clear distance between customers standing or sitting outside the vehicle and the cooking area.
Food Truck Driver’s License
A special driver’s license is required to drive a food truck. This requires specific training on safe driving and knowledge of local laws and regulations for operating the vehicle properly.
A commercial driver’s license may be necessary depending on what size tires are used for the vehicle, how many passengers it can carry at one time, or if more than six passengers are in the vehicle when driven.
Stay Up To Date With Food Truck Requirements
If you have any doubts or concerns about all you need to operate a food truck in Texas, at Trailer King Builders we can assist you. Give us a call, and we will gladly help you.