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Eagle Pass council updates city code to align with Texas mobile food law
Summary
The council approved an introductory ordinance to amend local rules so mobile food vendors will be regulated under Texas House Bill 2844 by DSHS starting July 1, 2026, while preserving local control over zoning, fire safety and special events.
The Eagle Pass City Council on June 2 approved changes to the city code to conform with Texas House Bill 2844, which transfers primary regulatory authority for mobile food units to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) effective July 1, 2026. City staff told council the update removes local health permitting for food trucks while retaining municipal control over zoning, fire and public-safety rules that affect where and when vendors can operate.
Council members and staff said the change is intended to reduce duplicate inspections and make it easier for mobile food operators to work across multiple Texas jurisdictions under a single DSHS license. The ordinance language presented to the council exempts mobile food units licensed by DSHS from the city’s food establishment permitting scheme but preserves city authority over nuisance, traffic, parking and special-event regulations.
Environmental health staff told council there are about 15 mobile food units currently permitted in Eagle Pass and said the city permit fee is $150 per year; staff said they will notify all currently permitted vendors that local permits will expire and that DSHS licensing will be required. Staff also said they will update the city website and public materials to explain the transition.
During the presentation, staff said the city will continue to enforce local public-safety requirements such as fire-safety clearances and limits on where a vendor may park or sell during special events. Council voted unanimously to approve the proposed changes to the ordinance.
The council’s action was framed as an introductory ordinance to bring the city into compliance with state law; staff said they will follow up with vendor guidance once DSHS publishes implementing details.
What happens next: staff will notify affected vendors, update public-facing materials and implement the administrative transition to DSHS oversight.
