Vendor Permits • Village of Surfside Beach, Texas

Vendor Permits

Mobile Vendors, Temporary/Event Vendors, and Filming in Surfside Beach, Texas

How to Apply Permit Types Applications Contact

Beach & Dune Areas

Vending or filming on the public beach must follow the Dune Protection & Beach Access Plan and any state requirements.

Dune Protection & Beach Access Plan (PDF) · Beach Access page

Permit Types

Mobile Vendor Permit Annual

For self-contained mobile units (food trucks, trailers, mobile retail). County health approval for food, fire inspection, insurance, and site authorization may be required.

  • Operate year-round at approved locations
  • One unit per permit

Apply: See forms below.

Temporary / Event Vendor Per Event

Short-term booths, tents, or tables tied to a specific event or limited dates. Food vendors still need county health approval.

  • Event/location specific
  • Limited date range

Apply: See forms below.

Filming (Commercial or Organized)

Filming on public property (streets, parks, beach) or affecting public access may require a City permit and insurance. Private-property filming generally needs owner permission; coordinate with City Hall if City services are involved.

Quick Comparison

Aspect Mobile Vendor Temporary/Event Vendor
Where Mobile unit (truck/trailer); approved sites Fixed booth/tent at a specific event
Duration Annual permit Per event / limited dates
Food handling County health approval required for food County health approval if serving food
Inspections Fire Marshal as applicable As applicable for site/event

How to Apply

1) Gather documents

  • Photos of setup/unit
  • Government ID
  • Insurance information
  • Proposed site(s) & hours

2) County approvals (food vendors)

Food vendors: obtain approvals from Brazoria County Environmental Health.

3) Fire safety

Mobile units may require a fire inspection. Staff will advise how to schedule if needed.

4) Submit to City Hall

Complete the applicable application and submit with documentation (see links below).

Tip: A complete packet (forms + county approvals + insurance) speeds review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs. Temporary — what’s the difference?

Mobile = self-contained unit (e.g., food truck) operating year-round at approved locations. Temporary = short-term booth/tent tied to a specific event or limited dates.

Can I vend or film on the beach?

Possibly, but beach/dune rules apply. Review the Beach Access Plan and coordinate early with City Hall.

Do I need a permit to film on private property?

Owner permission is required. If City property, traffic control, or public safety are impacted, coordinate with City Hall for permit/insurance requirements.

Contacts & Hours

City Hall — Permits & Applications

Phone: (979) 233-1531 ext. 106

Email: csr@surfsidetx.org

Address: 1304 Monument Drive, Surfside Beach, TX 77541

Office hours may vary on holidays.

Brazoria County — Environmental Health

Visit Environmental Health

Mobile food units and retail food operations are permitted by the County. County approval is required before City issuance for food vendors.

Disclaimer: Requirements and fees may change.