Mobile Food Truck FAQs

 I am a mobile food vendor and my food truck has a current license in other cities. Will I still need to apply for a UC-license to operate in Universal City?

Yes. All food trucks must obtain a Universal City Mobile Vending License to operate in UC.  For the application process and requirements, go to:  https://www.universalcitytexas.gov/925/Food-Service-Establishments-Fixed-Temp-M

If my food truck will operate for a day at an event in Universal City, do I still need to get the annual license?  

No.  In UC, food trucks are allowed to obtain a Temporary Food License ($50 valid for 14 consecutive days at one event address). However, the food truck must pass Fire and Health Inspections before being issued the Temporary Food License.  

Where and when are food trucks inspected for licensing? 

Health and Fire Inspections are performed by appointment only and are scheduled for any weekday at 8:30 a.m.  The food truck must be brought to the City Hall parking lot at 2150 Universal City Blvd, Universal City TX 78148. 

What is a Late-Night Mobile Food Unit License?

A Late-Night Mobile Food Unit License is a special permit issued to a Mobile Food Unit authorizing the unit to operate on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 9:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. on a designated space on the parking lot of a bar/tavern in Universal City.  

In other cities/jurisdictions, I see food trucks vending as stationary units on parking lots of businesses. As a UC mobile vendor, can I operate at the parking lot of a UC business on a regular basis, for example, during lunch hour?

No.  Food trucks in UC are licensed to be mobile, i.e., move from place-to-place (think neighborhood ice-cream truck), and may not become stationary anywhere in UC (both commercial or residential areas).   The only exception would be if a business is holding a celebratory event (for e.g., Grand Opening, Anniversary, Market Day, and the like).  A UC-licensed food truck may operate on the property of the business for the duration of said event.  

There are only two locations where a food truck may remain stationary in UC: at a Mobile Food Unit Park, i.e., Screamin’ Chameleons and on designated parking lots of a City Park i.e., Red Horse Park.  For both locations, you must obtain pre-approval to operate.  

Why can’t I regularly operate my licensed food truck on the parking lot of a UC business even after the business has given me permission to operate on its property?

The City Ordinance places restrictions on mobile food vendors to protect the existing brick and mortar food establishments from unfair competition. Generally, these permanent, fixed-location food and beverage businesses have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to open in UC.

Who do I contact to become a stationary food truck in UC?

To operate at a Mobile Food Unit Park, contact Screamin’Chameleon 122 W Lindbergh Blvd, Universal City, TX 78148 at (210) 439-9224 or info@ScreaminChameleon.com. 

To operate at a City Park, contact: pwdirector@uctx.gov

Can I operate my UC-licensed food truck at a private home in UC?

No.  Food trucks in UC are licensed to be mobile, i.e., move from place-to-place, and may not become stationary anywhere in UC (both commercial or residential areas).   

I am planning on having a food truck cater my daughter’s birthday party at my house, or at one of the City Parks. Will the food truck vendor need to apply for a UC-license?

No.  A food truck that is catering a private party, i.e, an event that is not open to the public and is by invitation only, does not need to obtain a UC-license. A food truck observed selling foods to the public while catering a private event will be instructed by a City Official to cease operations and leave UC limits.