Health Department Issue

In Houston, we have "restricted" and "unrestricted" units.  I am ghoing to get a Top Dog Cart.  For "unrestricted", the requirement for the freshwater tank is 30-gallons if 2 sinks, 40-gallons if 3-sinks.  Grey water tank must be 15% larger than the freshwater tank.  The Top Dog Cart isn't anywhere near that.  Do I have to operate it as a "restricted" unit ??  That cart is equipped way to well to be that way.  HELP !!
 
curtis

Yes, you will more than likely have to operate as a restricted unit.  I own a Top Dog and it is very well equipped.  But, most HD's still consider it a cart.  You will be restricted in terms of our meu selection.  You can't get a 30 gallon tank on the cart.

Curtis, this is a nice way of the HD telling you they want you restricted... There is a meaning to their madness.......Bill

.....so that means no hamburgers, no chili......???  This concerns me, maybe I should just sell Kool-Aid.

I looked at some other local county requirements and most of the simply state that the waste water need be 15% larger than the fresh tank.

cwood3


.....so that means no hamburgers, no chili......???  This concerns me, maybe I should just sell Kool-Aid.

I looked at some other local county requirements and most of the simply state that the waste water need be 15% larger than the fresh tank.

In many cases it means exactly that.  Only your local HD can answer these questions for you.  Regulations vary across all municipalities.  Many cities and towns grant leeway that State regs. don't.  Many other cities and towns go beyond State regs. 

Curtis, The health dept wants to be assured that you keep the good people of Houston safe. If you don't agree with their rules then show them you know whats going on in this business. They don't know you from Adam. Once you show the HD you know your stuff they will be in your corner. Talk with them and they will tell you stories of why these restrictions are in place. Its not because of you, its because of past idots that screwed things up..............I called My HD last week and asked her if I would have any restriction on anything for a Cart...Her answer was no. She knows I do things better than anyone in town. I give her piece of mind and her knowing she could trust me in anything I do.................Don't think just because you want it, you got it. Walk the talk and know the know how. I've worked with the HD for 30 years from Hawaii to Washington State and Oregon let me know if I could help in any way..............Bill

BillyB


I called My HD last week and asked her if I would have any restriction on anything for a Cart...Her answer was no. She knows I do things better than anyone in town. I give her piece of mind and her knowing she could trust me in anything I do.................

 
I hope she has the wiggle room in the law to allow you to operate outside of it.  If she doesn't, the first operator that wants to do what you are doing will force her to either get the regs changed, or require YOU to comply.  If she does nothing, she faces a big fight.  It would be much easier for her to make you comply.

Perhaps what I should do is make an appointment to meet, face to face, with the person in charge, take documentation from Top Dog Carts, and let them know that I am concerned about sanitation, safety, and compliance.  We have sooo many unsavory taco trucks and stands around here, but absolutely zero hot dog carts.  And that Top Dog Cart has got to be one of the cleanest looking high-quality rigs.

PopsDogHouse

BillyB


I called My HD last week and asked her if I would have any restriction on anything for a Cart...Her answer was no. She knows I do things better than anyone in town. I give her piece of mind and her knowing she could trust me in anything I do.................

 
I hope she has the wiggle room in the law to allow you to operate outside of it.  If she doesn't, the first operator that wants to do what you are doing will force her to either get the regs changed, or require YOU to comply.  If she does nothing, she faces a big fight.  It would be much easier for her to make you comply.

Hey Pops, You don't have restrictions untill someone screws it up for everyone else. The HD doesn't go outside the Law for anyone. I'm just saying you could build up a trust that they don't need to have restrictions untill restrictions are needed.....Bill

Curtis, understanding why the restrictions are there is the first step to working around them. ....Like you said Taco trucks   GGGEEEZZZZZZZZ

cwood3


Perhaps what I should do is make an appointment to meet, face to face, with the person in charge, take documentation from Top Dog Carts, and let them know that I am concerned about sanitation, safety, and compliance.  We have sooo many unsavory taco trucks and stands around here, but absolutely zero hot dog carts.  And that Top Dog Cart has got to be one of the cleanest looking high-quality rigs.

Unquestionably...
Take any schematics and work with the HD before you make any commitments to a cart or business model.  The HD in our area has been friendly, helpful and has steered me in the right direction when it comes to how to do things right. In our business it's better to ask for permission than forgiveness. I'm 100% sure that if you proactively involve the HD up front it will save you many, many headaches. I'll send you a copy of the State (Texas) Standards. If you live in Harris County, Check with Harris County HD officials. Or... get standards from any county you want to do business in.