Fixed Food Establishments

To operate a food business in Austin or Travis County, you must obtain a Food Enterprise Operating Permit. This page explains the full permitting process—including plan review, pre‑opening inspections, operational permits, fees, food safety requirements, and ongoing compliance standards. It also includes guidance on food donation and waste reduction. 

Overview of the Permitting Process

Most fixed food establishments follow three main steps:

1. Plan Review — required for new construction and remodels.
2. Pre‑Opening Inspection — required for all new establishments, remodeled facilities, and changes of ownership.
3. Operational Permit — issued after the Pre-Opening inspection approval; must be renewed annually.

Some establishments using specialized food processes may also require a variance or a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. 

Plan Review Requirements

A Food Enterprise Plan Review ensures your facility meets state and local health and safety regulations.  The plan review application procedure differs depending on your jurisdiction. For all City of Austin applications or for in person or by mail applications for municipalities and Unincorporated Travis County, include the Food Enterprise Plan Review Application (PDF).

Jurisdiction

Use the Jurisdictions Web Map to determine whether you are in:

 • City of Austin (plans submitted to Development Services)
 • Unincorporated Travis County (plans submitted to Austin Public Health)
 • Inter‑Local Municipalities, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Manor, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Volente, and West Lake Hills (plans submitted to Austin Public Health)

City of Austin Plan Review Process

1. Visit Commercial Plan Review | AustinTexas.gov on the City website.
2. Submit your application online through Austin Development Services.
3. Include the completed Food Enterprise Plan Review Application (PDF) with your submission.
4. After the plans are approved, the location is built, and it is ready for inspection, submit a Pre‑Opening Inspection Application and Operational Permit Application. 

Municipalities & Unincorporated Travis County Plan Review

For plan review submission in Bee Cave, Lakeway, Manor, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Volente, West Lake Hills and unincorporated Travis County, you may apply in person, by mail, or online. 

Apply Online

1. Go to Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Create and log in to your account.
3. Select: Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Plan Review Application.
4. Complete the application (required fields marked with a red asterisk).
5. Upload required documents, sign, and submit.
6. You may review or edit your submission under “Past Submissions.”

If you have trouble navigating the online portal, please visit our office at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754.  Our staff will help you to submit your application online. 

Apply In Person or By Mail

Submit a Food Enterprise Plan Review Application (PDF) in person at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Suite 205, Austin, TX 78754 or mail the completed application to: Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.

Plan Review Fees

Plan review fees vary based on jurisdiction and facility size. View the full permit fee schedule at Permit Fee Schedule | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.

City of Austin & Inter‑Local Municipalities

 • Event Health & Safety Review: $265
 • New Construction: $312
 • Remodel: 
     • >10,000 sq ft: $312
     • 2,500–10,000 sq ft: $266
     • <2,500 sq ft: $221

Unincorporated Travis County

 • Event Health & Safety Review: n/a
 • New Construction: $10
 • Remodel (all sizes): $10 
 

Pre‑Opening Inspections

A pre‑opening inspection is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy after a new or remodeled construction to ensure the approved plans were followed, or before the ownership of an establishment is transferred to another entity or individual.  The facility must pass this inspection before a permit can be issued and the business can operate. This inspection ensures:

 • The building was constructed or remodeled according to approved plans.
 • The facility meets health code requirements.
 • All equipment is installed and functional. 

How to Apply

To submit an application in person or by mail, download the Pre-Opening Inspection Application (PDF).

 • Online via the Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
 • Submit in person at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205.
 • Submit by mail to PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.

Apply Online

1. Go to Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Select: Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Pre-Opening Inspection.
4. Complete the application (required fields marked with a red asterisk).
5. Upload required documents, sign, and submit.
6. You may review or edit your submission under “Past Submissions.”

Pre‑Opening Inspection Fees

 • City of Austin & ILA: $178
 • Travis County: Not applicable 
 

Operational Permit Requirements

An Operational Permit is required to legally operate a food enterprise. It must be renewed yearly.

How to Apply

Apply online, by mail, or in person. For in person or mail applications, download the Operational Permit Application: Food Enterprise (PDF).

Apply Online

1. Go to Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Select: Food Enterprise → Operational Permit Application
4. Complete the application (required fields marked with a red asterisk).
5. Upload required documents, sign, and submit.
6. You may review or edit your submission under “Past Submissions.”

City of Austin & Inter‑Local Operating Permit Fees

High-Quality Child Care Providers in the City of Austin, please see Fee Waivers for High-Quality Child Care Providers in Austin.

Operating Permit Fees
 • $0–$49,999.99 annual sales: $309
 • $50,000–$149,999.99 annual sales: $618
 • $150,000+ annual sales: $927
 • Child Care Facility:  $309 
 • Qualified High-Quality Childcare Facility (COA Only): $0

Inspection Fees
 • Pre‑Opening Inspection: $178 (COA & ILA)
 • Food Re‑Inspection: $134
 • After‑hours Inspection: $173
 • Late Fee: $120
 • Variance/HACCP Review: $337 

Travis County Operating Fees

Operating permit fees are based on food safety risk level and number of employee (see explanation below). Inspection fees are not applicable (n/a) in Travis County.

Operating Permit Fees
 • Low Risk/Small (1C): $250
 • Low Risk/Medium (1B): $275
 • Low Risk/Large (1A): $300
 • Medium Risk/Small (2C): $275
 • Medium Risk/Medium (2B): $300
 • Medium Risk/Large (2A): $300
 • High Risk/Small (3C): $250
 • High Risk/Medium (3B): $300
 • High Risk/Large (3A): $300
 • Childcare Facility: $309
 • Qualified High-Quality Childcare Facility: n/a

Inspection Fees
 • Pre‑Opening Inspection: n/a
 • Food Re‑Inspection: n/a
 • After‑hours Inspection: n/a
 • Late Fee: n/a
 • Variance/HACCP Review: n/a

Risk and Size Categories

Renewing Your Permit

Food Enterprises that already have an operational permit must renew their permit on an annual basis. Permits expire one (1) year from the date issued. 45 days prior to operational permit expiration, the department will mail a renewal notice to the mailing address listed on the application. The renewal form must be completed and returned to the department along with a payment for the permit renewal fee.

Did you not receive your renewal notice?

Establishments that do not receive a notice are still responsible for completing the renewal application and submitting a renewal payment. For additional information or assistance please contact our customer service representatives by phone, email, in-person.

Variance & HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Plan) Requirements

A variance is an official exception granted by the Health Authority that allows an establishment to operate outside certain code requirements, provided it can still meet health and safety goals of the rules.  A HACCP plan for specialized processes needs approval from the Health Authority.  A HACCP plan may or may not need a variance. Download the Variance Review / HACCP Request (PDF).

Specialized processes requiring an approved HACCP Plan include:  

 • Smoking food for preservation
 • Curing food
 • Using food additives or adding components to render food non‑TCS
 • Reduced‑oxygen packaging (ROP) including Cook-Chill and Sous Vide
 • Operating molluscan shellfish tanks
 • Custom processing animals
 • Sprouting seeds or beans
 • Preparing food by another method that is determined by the Health Authority to require a variance.  

Plan Submissions: Submit a HACCP Plan and/or Variance Request along with any supporting documentation to the department.  The department must review and approve all plans before the process/condition under review can be used or implemented.  Failure to provide required supporting documentation may result in additional review fees.

Plan Modifications: Any modifications to an approved Variance Requests of HACCP Plan are subject to additional review fees and must undergo another review / approval by the department.

Facility Requirements & Construction Standards

Your facility must meet specific standards before approval. To view a sample floor plan, see Sample Floor Plan. To view our FAQ, visit our Fixed Food Establishments General FAQ. For more information on starting a food business, visit How to Start a Food Business. For printable signs, visit our Food Establishments Resource Library | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.

Refrigeration

 • All units must hold foods at 41°F or below

Restrooms

 • At least one restroom required (two for seating >20 or alcohol service)
 • Hand sinks must provide hot (100°F) and cold water
 • May not open directly into a kitchen

Sinks

 • Mop sink with backflow prevention
 • Hand sinks in all prep, dish, and service areas
 • 3‑compartment sink or commercial dishwasher
 • Indirect drain connection (1‑inch air gap) required

Ceilings, Walls, Floors

 • Must be smooth, durable, and non‑absorbent
 • No open rafters or exposed ductwork in food areas
 • Baseboards and sealed floor/wall junctures required

Waste & Grease Management

 • Dumpster and grease barrels must be on concrete/asphalt pads with drain plugs
 • Grease traps must meet industrial waste requirements

Water & Sewage

 • Approved water source required
 • Hose bibs require backflow prevention
 • Private wells and OSSFs must meet modern standards

Lighting

 • 50 foot‑candles at prep areas
 • 20 foot‑candles at service or display areas

Outer Openings

 • All windows and doors must be tight‑fitting and self‑closing
 • Screens must be at least 1/16" mesh 

Key Food Safety Requirements

For more information, visit Food Manager & Food Handler Requirements. To view our inspection report, visit Food Establishment Inspection Report. For information on cottage food rules, visit Cottage Food Production.

Certified Food Manager (CFM)

The City of Austin requires at least one registered Certified Food Manager per Food Enterprise, with the certificate posted prominently.

Food Handler Training

All employees who handle food must obtain an accredited Food Handler Certificate within 60 days of employment.

Food Donation & Waste Reduction

Food donations help reduce waste and support community hunger‑relief efforts. Austin encourages food recovery as part of its Zero Waste goals. View our Food Donation Guide (PDF), Food Donation Facts (PDF), and find information on how to reduce waste at Universal Recycling Ordinance | Austin Resource Recovery | AustinTexas.gov.

Food That May Be Donated Without a Permit

 • Non‑TCS prepackaged foods (cans, cereal, baked goods, bottled water)

Food That Requires a Permit to Donate

 • All TCS foods (e.g., dairy, eggs, cut produce, meats, cooked foods)
 • Must be cooled properly and held at safe temperatures
 • Donor and recipient must both be permitted establishments

Labeling Requirements

 • Prepackaged foods must retain original labels
 • Prepared foods must include: 
 • Food name
 • Source
 • Date of preparation

Foods That Cannot Be Donated

 • TCS foods older than 7 days or past expiration
 • Dented cans or unlabeled packages
 • Foods exposed to contamination (fire, flood, etc.)
 • Previously served or home‑prepared foods

Safe Transport

 • Cold food ≤41°F; hot food ≥135°F
 • No more than 4 hours total out of temperature control
 • Use clean, leak‑proof containers; separate hot and cold items 

Central Food Preparation Facilities

A Central Preparation Facility (CPF) is a centralized hub where products, components, or food items are assembled, processed, packaged, and prepared for distribution or service.  This registration is only necessary if the establishment provides kitchen space for mobile food vendors or grease traps.

How to Apply

Apply in person or online. For in person applications, download and submit the Central Preparation Facility Registration Application (PDF).

Apply Online

1. Visit the Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Select Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Central Preparation Facility Registration.
3. Complete, sign, upload documents, and submit.

Registration Fees

 • Central Preparation Facility Registration: $150

Laws & Regulations

Food safety in Austin is governed by multiple layers of law - federal, state, and local - working together.

 • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code (2017)
 • Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) – 25 TAC Chapter 228
 • Health & Safety Code Chapter 437 – Regulation of Food Establishments
 • Health & Safety Code Chapter 431 (Title 6) – Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
 • 25 TAC Chapter 229 – Food Manufacturing & Warehouse Regulations
 • Cottage Food Law (Home‑Based Food Production)
 • Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 – Food and Food Handlers
 • Austin City Code Chapter 10‑4 – Minors’ Access to Tobacco
 • Austin City Code Chapter 10‑6 – Smoking in Public Places
 • Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas – Ordinance No. 20151008‑011
 • Travis County Code Chapter 247 – Food Establishment Permits

Contact Information 

Environmental Health Services Division

Environmental Health Services Division 
Phone: 512‑978‑0300 
Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov 
Address: 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754 
Mailing: PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78714

Helpful Phone Numbers

Health One Stop Shop: (512) 974-3325 | Austin City Information: 311 or (512) 974-2000

Organization	Phone Number	Organization	Phone Number
Alcoholic Beverage Licenses (City Clerk)	(512) 974-2210	Plan Review, Food Enterprise	(512) 974-3325
Alcohol Beverage Commission	General: (512) 206-3333 App: (512) 451-0231	Automated Inspection Request Line	(512) 480-0623
Commercial Building Inspections	974-2380	LCRA On-site Sewage Facility Licenses	(512) 473-3216
Food Manager Certification	(512) 978-0313	Plan Review, Commercial Construction	(512) 974-2949 (512) 974-3469
Fire Marshal – Fire Code Inspections	(512) 974-0160	Environmental Health Services Division (Food Enterprise Operating Permit)	(512) 978-0300
Inspections – Building	(512) 974-2027	Texas Comptroller Office	(512) 463-4600
Industrial Wastewater	(512) 972-1060	Utility Customer Service	(512) 494-9400
Water & Wastewater Inspection Recorder	(512) 972-0002	Travis County On-site Sewage Facility Licenses	(512) 854-9383
Water & Wastewater	311 or (512) 972-0000

Feedback

Please share your experience through the Environmental Health Services online feedback survey: Feedback Survey: Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services.

To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.