City updated concessions, food trucks rules

The next few months are packed with festivals and special events, which often means additional concessionaires and food trucks on the island. Given that, we want to make sure everyone is aware of changes to the ordinance governing concessions and the recently created temporary permit. 

The Galveston City Council earlier this year approved changes to the ordinance, including reduced fees for food trucks operating in food truck parks and defining how food trucks record the health and safety measures they take preparing food. 

The Council also created a $40 per day temporary permit for food trucks that are operating during a festival or organized event without buying a year-round permit.  Special events organized through Parks Department follow a different process.

The goal of the changes was to encourage the creation of food truck parks, instead of having food trucks operating in convenience store parking lots, and better manage the health and safety of the trucks. Food trucks and concessions will pay a $500 annual permit, unless operating in a food truck park, which is a $250 permit. 

Operators may find the annual permit application hereCity updated concessions, food trucks rules, and temporary permit application is located hereCity updated concessions, food trucks rules. A document explaining the rules in greater detail is attached.

The Galveston City Marshal’s Office will be enforcing this ordinance, and non-compliance carries an up to $500 fine. All food vendors within the entertainment area are exempt from having a city issued permit but are still required to have a Health District permit issued by the county. Any food vendor outside the entertainment district must have a valid food vendor permit issued by the City and a valid Permit issued by the Galveston County Health District.