Environmental Health Services

Summer 2025 EHSD HealthWise Newsletter

Check out this edition of the EHSD Quarterly Healthwise Newsletter! Topics include updated guidance for our new customer portal, My Health Department, information to protect yourself from mosquitos this summer, and a whole lot more! Click HERE to view the newsletter!

Guidance on Food Safety, Mosquitos, and Wells during Floods!

Check out our guidance to prevent the spread of disease during and after floods:

1. Food Safety During Floods -- A Practical Guide
2. Guidance After Flooding -- Protecting Yourself from Mosquitos
3. What to Do with Your Well After a Flood

Update - Mobile Vending Onsite Permitting Inspection Pilot Program

We’d like to share an important update regarding the Mobile Vending Onsite Permitting Inspection Pilot Program. City Council has recently approved the fees for onsite permitting inspections as part of the pilot. Our team is currently developing the process to review and schedule appointments for interested vendors. We anticipate the pilot will begin in late summer 2025.

While we move forward with the planning phase, we are also closely monitoring House Bill 2844, which may impact our local program. If enacted, this bill would transfer oversight of mobile vending from the local level to the State, potentially requiring us to discontinue the pilot. 

We will continue to keep you informed as we learn more. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and interest in participating. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 512-978-0300 Option #5 (press twice).

*All New Applications Must be Submitted Through My Health Department.

Attention: All new applications must be submitted through our new My Health Department Customer Portal. If you are unable to comply with the electronic submission requirements, please print and complete the application, then bring it into our office and our staff will help to submit the application.

If you require further assistance or additional information regarding your application, please contact our main line at (512) 978-0300 and select option 5. 

Submissions Still Accepted via Email (ehsd.service@austintexas.gov):

• Renewals for Food and Pool Permits
• Complaints
• General Questions
• Refund Request
• Re-inspections

New Software for APH Environmental Health Services Division Clients!

APH Environmental Health Services Division clients are now able to create an account through My Health Department (MyHD) Portal. Submit applications, make payments, view records, and communicate with staff online all through your MyHD account.

Visit the My Health Department Portal: https://myhealthdepartment.com/APH/login

TRAVIS COUNTY INVOICES CAN NOT BE PAID ONLINE

All questions and concerns can be submitted via email to EHSD.Service@austintexas.gov or by contacting 512-978-0300.

In addition to our in-person services, you may submit your applications and requests for processing by:

• Mail: Austin Public Health, PO BOX 142529, Austin, TX 78714; along with payment by check or money order, or
• Email: EHSD.Service@austintexas.gov; and you will receive payment instructions to make payment.

The division ensures food safety for all food establishments. There are requirements for food handlers and managers, and four distinct food programs:

• Fixed Food Establishments includes restaurants, school cafeterias, grocery stories, food warehouses, and convenience stores.
• Mobile Food Vendors includes food trucks and trailers, pushcarts, and kiosks.
• Charitable Feeding Organizations includes not for profit charitable feeding organizations.
• Farmers Markets includes all food booths participating in farmers markets.
• Temporary Food Events includes booths that serve food or beverages at events.
• Vending Machines. Permits are required for any vending machines that distribute potentially hazardous (TCS) foods. Get a vending machine application here.

Submit an application through our new online platform, My Health Department Client Portal: https://myhealthdepartment.com/APH/login.

• Food Handler/Food Manager Requirements
• All employees handling food must be trained in a state-certified training program to ensure knowledge of food safety practices.
• All food establishments must have a state Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate.

APH Environmental Health Services Division clients are able to create an account through My Health Department Customer Portal. Submit applications, make payments, view records, and communicate with staff online all through your MyHD account.

• My Health Department Customer Portal: https://myhealthdepartment.com/APH/login.
• MyHD User Guide: English Version | Spanish Version
• MyHD 1-Page Flyer: English Version | Spanish Version

View the fee schedule for Austin and Travis County effective May 8, 2024, for all permits and services.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Foodborne Outbreaks
• FDA and USDA Food Safety Information and Recalls
• Conditional Employee and Food Employee Interview (FDA Form 1-A)
• Conditional Employee or Food Employee Reporting Agreement (FDA Form 1-B)
• Conditional Employee or Food Employee Medical Referral (FDA Form 1-C)

• City of Austin
  The following types of nuisances are investigated in the city limits: Animal Enclosures/Setback Limits, Smoking in Public Places, Minors' Access to Tobacco, food handling, and reports of foodborne illness (food poisoning).
• Travis County
  Outside the city limits, the following types of nuisances are investigated: trash, rubbish, debris, junked vehicles, tall weeds/grass, mosquito harbors, unmaintained pools, and substandard structures.

To report nuisances, contact Austin 3-1-1.

To report a smoking violation in the City of Austin, contact 3-1-1 or fill out a smoking violation form.

The division performs state-mandated inspections required for custodial care facilities, such as childcare, foster care and adoption housing.

Submit an application through our new online platform, My Health Department Citizens Portal: https://myhealthdepartment.com/APH/login.

If you require further assistance or additional information regarding your application, please contact our main line at (512) 978-0300 and select option 5. If you are unable to comply with the electronic submission requirements, please print and complete the application found at the link below. Download a printable copy of this application. If you experience technical difficulties, contact us for assistance.

Download a Fee Waivers for High-Quality Child-Care providers in Austin information document here.

The division ensures the health and safety of all public and semi-public aquatic facilities to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and accidental drownings/injuries. Learn more here.

Submit an application through our new online platform, My Health Department Citizens Portal: https://myhealthdepartment.com/APH/login.

The division provides on-site assessments and responds to complaints about rodents, mosquitoes, and stinging insects. The program also performs mosquito surveillance (trapping) to identify the source of mosquito borne diseases and applies limited control measures. Learn more here.

The Environmental Health Services Division (EHSD) promotes public health and safety to ensure compliance with state and local health codes. View a complete list of services.

Help us better serve our customers by providing feedback through our online survey.

To address a concern or request a second opinion regarding an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 between 7:45 am to 4:45 pm Monday - Friday.