Who needs a fire permit
Mobile food units that use LP-gas (propane, butane or isobutane) for commercial cooking need an annual or temporary LP-Gas permit from the Houston Fire Marshal's Office (7427 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX 77087, 832-394-8811). Older Houston Fire Department guidance also requires an automatic fire extinguishing system over cooking equipment on all mobile food units since January 1, 2023.
Before the inspection
- Be on time; the sheet allows a 10-minute tolerance.
- Bring your own power. The Fire Marshal provides adapters, but no cables or generators.
- The unit must be clean, food stored in the refrigerator, and no active cooking.
- Do not dump oil, trash or wastewater on the property.
Propane (LP-gas)
- Appliances secured to the trailer.
- Gas lines in use or capped off.
- Cylinders upright and secured against falling, collisions and bystanders. A bumper alone does not count as protection from rear-end collisions.
- A visible, accessible shut-off valve with an "Emergency Shutoff Valve" sign.
- "No Smoking" and "No Fumar" signs near the cylinders.
- A combustible gas (LP) leak alarm near the appliances. A smoke or carbon monoxide detector does not count.
Fire extinguishers
- A red ABC extinguisher rated 3A:40BC.
- A silver or gray Type K extinguisher rated 2A:K if you fry food.
- Keep inspection tags current.
Hood and ventilation
- A Type I ventilation system.
- No gaps between grease filters.
- Fan speed regulated so it does not pull the filters out.
- A grease rail with a drain hole and grease drip pans.
- Vapor-proof or explosion-proof lighting only inside the hood.
- Keep the hood clean and free of soot and grease.
Fire suppression systems over cooking equipment must be inspected and service-tagged by a licensed fire protection company. The Houston Fire Department's standards call for kitchen hood suppression systems to meet UL 300 and to be serviced at least every 6 months.
Electrical
- Power must enter through a male inlet in a weather-rated housing secured to the trailer, or a direct connection to the breaker box.
- Never use a double-male cord.
- Protect cables from damage, do not use extension cords as permanent wiring, and do not overload outlets.
How our trailers handle this
Cooking trailers from TX Food Trailers come with a stainless hood and fan, a weather-protected 50 amp power inlet and UL-listed electrical parts. Fire suppression is installed, or inspected and tagged, in Houston by a licensed company, and propane lines are installed and leak-tested in Houston before delivery. Signs, extinguishers and the gas leak alarm are quick to add; we include them on your build sheet.
Questions
Does a coffee trailer need a fire permit?
The Houston LP-Gas permit is for units that cook with propane. An all-electric coffee trailer without grease cooking generally does not need a hood or suppression system. Confirm with the Fire Marshal for your setup.
How often is the suppression system serviced?
Houston Fire Department standards call for kitchen hood suppression systems to be inspected and service-tagged at least every 6 months.
Sources
- City of Houston Fire Marshal: 2026 Food Truck Inspection Points (PDF)
- Houston Fire Department: Information for Mobile Food Units (PDF)
Rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the agency before you apply.
