Food Truck Policy
Texas Southern University Office of Compliance/Environmental Health & Safety Department will provide
oversight and management of the mobile food truck program.
Definitions:
Food Truck - Mobile food Unit shall mean a food service establishment that is vehicle-mounted or
wheeled and is capable of being readily moveable.
OC – TSU Office of Compliance
EH&S – TSU Environmental Health & Safety
ERM – TSU Enterprise Risk Management
Request procedure:
1. All food trucks are required to complete a TSU Request for Food Truck Permit/Inspection.
(a) The Food Truck request must be included as part of the Event Permit Request and must be requested
at a minimum of 14 days before the event date. Any request made less than 14 days before the event
date, may not utilize a Mobile Food Supplier for their event.
(b) Approval/Denial of request for a Food Truck will be based on overall event approval, the location
requested for the supplier, and whether the vendor operation will be disruptive to normal campus
functions. See {link} for a map of approved locations where a Mobile Food Supplier can be utilized.
Locations not on the approved map may not be approved for your event
Upon approval, the following guidelines shall be adhered to:
1. The food truck must be on the OC/EH&S approved list of food trucks. Food Trucks on the approved list are pre-screened based on minimum standards to operate on campus, including but not limited to, a
valid business license, current board of health certificate, and proof of minimum insurance
requirements.
2. All food trucks are required to provide proof of Commercial General Liability, Worker’s Compensation
Liability, and Automobile Liability Insurance coverage at the time of permit application with limits as
specified by OC/Environmental Health & Safety Department including an additional endorsement that
names the appropriate as additional insured parties. Below are specifics on OC/TSU Enterprise Risk
Management Insurance Requirements.
3. All food trucks must be inspected and permitted by Harris County Public Health District and have
mobile food vending medallion from the City of Houston. Proof of inspections and medallion must be
provided at the time of permit application.
Annual Certifications:
- Commercial Kitchen Hood (Annual) Inspection Tag.
- Portable fire extinguisher, minimum 2A:10BC (Annual) Inspection Tag
- Class “K” extinguisher (Annual) Inspection Tag
Other conditions to monitor will include visual inspection of power cords and outlets, cleanliness of the
unit and cooking equipment, evidence of grease/grime on the outer shell, and unobstructed path to the
exit.
Where fuel tanks are stored outside the shell, they shall be properly secured and protected.
Exit pathways shall not be diminished or obstructed in any way by placement of the vehicle and/or
associated equipment.
4. A copy of the vendor’s current and valid Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit must be provided. The
provided permit must be registered under the mobile vending unit owner’s name or under the business
name of the mobile vending operation.
5. An “TSU Event Permit” to be displayed prominently for each food truck will be provided in order to
verify approval to be on campus. All food trucks are to maintain insurance coverage and keep medallion
up to date. Any food trucks with expired or lack of insurance coverage as noted below shall be deemed
non-eligible to participate in the Food Truck program and will not be allowed on campus until a current
and accepted proof of coverage is received. Expired medallions will result in non-eligibility to participate
in the program as well.
6. All food trucks must always have all equipment contained within or on the mobile unit and must be
properly enclosed.
7. Food trucks may not sell alcoholic beverages.
8. Food trucks must remove all trash and litter when they leave campus.
9. Food trucks will park in designated parking areas with the permit prominently displayed.
10. Food trucks must obey all University applicable parking, traffic and vehicle safety laws, regulations,
and restrictions.
11. Food trucks should have the ability to accept various forms of payment for food products.
12. Food trucks must prevent the disposal of any materials, including rinse or wash water, any spilled
materials or any waste into streets, gutters, storm drains, or creeks.
13. Food trucks must always maintain a state of mobile readiness.
14. Food trucks can remain in one location no longer than 4 hours.
15. Food trucks may only sell food; no other goods, wares, or other items may be sold.
16. Food trucks will only be allowed to advertise on the truck itself.
17. Food trucks are not allowed to play amplified music or similar noise at the event location and while
on campus.
18. Food trucks are not allowed to advertise their location or the campus event on their social media
page or by other means ahead of or during the event. Day of event signage is limited to menu related
signage and marketing. Vendor will ensure that any signage does not affect the safety or flow of guests.
19. Noncompliance with guidelines by food trucks may result in immediate and/or future loss of
vendor’s privilege to provide service on campus.
Insurance Requirements:
• Worker’s Compensation
Statutory Benefits (Coverage A) Statutory
Employers Liability (Coverage B) $500,000 Each Accident
$500,000 Disease/Employee
$500,000 Disease/Policy Limit
• Automobile Liability
Owned Vehicles $1,000,000
Non-owned Vehicles $1,000,000
Hired Vehicles $1,000,000
• Commercial General Liability
Aggregate Limit $2,000,000
Each Occurrence Limit $1,000,000
Products/Completed Operations $1,000,000
Personal/Advertising Injury $1,000,000
Damage Rented Premises $ 100,000
Medical Payments $ 5,000
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