Texas Tech University Fire Marshal’s Office conducts fire and life safety inspections on food trucks prior to their operation on Texas Tech property. To report an unpermitted food truck on campus or a fire or life safety violation by a food truck vendor, click here to file a complaint.  

Food Truck Vendors 

If you are a food truck vendor and wish to operate on campus or need a permit renewal you must first send an email to foodtruckvendors@ttu.edu and complete the required application process. You will be directed to schedule an inspection with Texas Tech Environmental Health & Safety and our office. After passing inspections have been received and applicable fee(s) paid, operation on Texas Tech property will be permitted. Unauthorized food truck vendors operating on Texas Tech property are subject to removal from campus and, if applicable, criminal prosecution.  

Things to know before your inspection: 

• If your food truck involves cooking that creates any grease-laden vapors, you will need a Type 1 vent hood in accordance with NFPA 96 Section 4.1.1. The vent hood must have been properly cleaned, inspected and tagged by a licensed professional.  

• The vent hood will need to be equipped with a UL-300 type fire suppression system. The fire suppression system must be in good working order, inspected and tagged by a licensed professional.  

• If your truck uses a propane system, you will need to have an annual propane system leak detection test performed by a licensed technician and have it submitted to us on this TTUFMO form. 

• If your truck uses propane appliances you will need to have a propane detector installed.  

• Your food truck will need to have carbon monoxide detection regardless of the type of service your food truck provides. 

• Your food truck will need to have at least one, five-pound, ABC type fire extinguisher with either a purchase receipt that shows a date of less than one year old or a current inspection tag and seal provided by a licensed fire extinguisher maintenance company/technician. 

• If your food truck conducts cooking operations producing grease-laden vapors, a Type K fire extinguisher will be required in addition to the ABC type fire extinguisher.  

• Make sure your vehicle and/or trailer’s license plate is visible, and registration is current. 

• Your food truck and its operation must be in compliance with all applicable fire and life safety codes as well as all other applicable state and local laws.  

The use of pyrotechnic displays and flame effects are restricted to university-sanctioned events and must be approved and permitted by the Texas Tech University Fire Marshal’s Office. All unapproved pyrotechnics and flame effects on Texas Tech property are prohibited. All approved pyrotechnic and flame effect displays shall be conducted by individuals licensed by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office and in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact our department directly if you need to submit a permit application. Please contact our department here if you need to submit a permit application. 

Before submitting your request for a Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects Permit, please ensure you have the following information and documentation ready: 

• Contact information for the company and individuals responsible for operating the pyrotechnics. 

• For traveling performances, a licensed Texas pyrotechnics operator (also called a licensed "shooter") must be present on site. Be prepared to provide their contact information. 

• Certificates of insurance meeting the requirements set by the Texas Tech University Fire Marshal’s Office. 

• A complete inventory of all pyrotechnic products to be used, along with applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS). 

• A detailed site plan outlining the layout of the display or performance area. 

• Copies of current state licenses for all pyrotechnic operators and performers. 

• Any additional local, state or federal permits required for the event. 

• Payment of all applicable permit fees must be received before the permit can be issued. 

Currently, temporary outdoor cooking operations are permitted by our office through the outdoor events review process. TTUFMO is a participating member of the Outdoor Events Coordinating Committee (formerly the “Grounds Use Committee”) and if you or your organization wish to set up any temporary outdoor cooking, the request needs to be submitted through that process. You can submit your request to campusevents@ttu.edu and find their required forms and instructions here. Unapproved cooking operations on Texas Tech property are prohibited.  

Things to know if your temporary outdoor cooking is approved: 

• Deep frying is prohibited. 

• Blocking exits, walkways, fire lanes, etc. is prohibited. 

• Propane grills are preferred. 

• If the use of a wood fired or coal fired grill/smoker is authorized for your event, residual coals must be thoroughly extinguished, secured in a metal air-tight container (such as a small metal trash can) prior to transport and disposed of off campus. 

• You must have a 10-pound, ABC type fire extinguisher present at all times during your temporary cooking operation. If you need an extinguisher for your event, you can rent one from Texas Tech Operations by contacting (806) 742-4OPS. 

• You must maintain a 20-foot clearance between your cooking operation and any structures or vegetation. 

Currently, open flames are permitted by our office through the outdoor events review process exclusively for TTU sanctioned events. Personal events (such as weddings, birthday parties, dances, etc.) are not authorized to have open flames or pyrotechnics of any kind. TTUFMO is a participating member of the Outdoor Events Coordinating Committee (formerly the “Grounds Use Committee”) and if you or your organization is wishing to set up an event including open flames, the request needs to be submitted through that process.

You can submit your request to campusevents@ttu.edu and find their required forms and instructions here. Unapproved open flames on Texas Tech property are strictly prohibited.