A new Texas law is set to significantly increase permit and inspection costs for food businesses in Corpus Christi, raising concerns among local restaurant and food truck owners about the financial impact. According to a report by Alexis Scott of KRIS-TV, Senate Bill 1008, which took effect on September 1, 2025, requires cities and public health districts to align their food service fees with state-level standards set by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
As a result, the Corpus Christi–Nueces County Public Health District must overhaul its current fee structure, with changes scheduled to take effect March 2, 2026. The biggest shift moves permit fees away from an employee-based model to one based on gross annual food sales. Under the new structure, some businesses will see permit costs jump from as low as $125 to more than $500 per year, while higher-revenue establishments could pay up to $773.
The changes also introduce new fees that many businesses have never paid before. Initial inspections for new establishments, which are currently free, will incur a $100 fee. Reinspection fees will increase from $50 to $150, and amendment fees for changes in ownership or business names previously free will range from $125 to $375, depending on the sales volume.
Food trucks and mobile vendors are among those facing the steepest increases. Mobile food unit health permits will increase from $140 to $250, vending permits from $120 to $250, and a one-time amendment fee of $125 will be added.
Local business owners say the increases come at a difficult time. Keenan Laymon, owner of Adelphos Coffee Roosters, said tighter margins and rising costs already make it hard to operate, adding that the new fees create additional barriers for small businesses trying to survive or get started.
City leaders have also expressed frustration, arguing that the state’s mandate overlooks the challenges faced by local restaurants. Corpus Christi City Council members criticized the timing of the increases, particularly given the recent number of restaurant closures and ongoing economic pressures.
The Public Health District began a required 60-day stakeholder notice period in mid-December. City Council will vote on the revised ordinances in February, with final implementation slated for early March. Once adopted, the city must submit the updated fee schedule to the state for inclusion in a statewide registry.
Source: KRIS 6 News – Corpus Christi
Author: Alexis Scott
Original story:
https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/corpus-christi/new-state-law-could-nearly-double-food-truck-permit-fees-local-business-owners-concerned-with-impact