Temporary Food Events
Planning a public event in Austin or Travis County where food or drinks will be served? This page explains when a Temporary Food Event (TFE) Permit is required, how to apply, what to prepare before your event, and the operational and safety requirements for running a food booth. It also includes donation and waste‑reduction guidelines and links to relevant laws and resources.
Do You Need a Temporary Food Event Permit?
A Temporary Food Service Permit is required anytime food or beverages are offered to the public at an event in Austin or Travis County. Events open to the general public—whether advertised online, through flyers, ticket sales, or other public outreach—require a permit. For more information, see our Temporary Food Event FAQ (PDF).
You likely need a permit if you answer “yes” to any of the following:
• Is the general public invited to the event?
• Can someone outside your organization, their family, or invited guests attend?
• Has the event been publicly advertised (social media, websites, flyers, ticket sales)?
• Will you serve open food or open‑container beverages (mixed drinks, wine, keg beer)?
Note: Beverages, including alcoholic beverages and ice, are considered food under the FDA Food Code. Canned beer opened by the customer does not require a temporary food permit.
Before You Apply: Event & Organizer Responsibilities
Before submitting your permit application, please review the following requirements. More guidance is available in our Temporary Food Event Application Information (PDF).
Organizer Responsibilities
• The event organizer—not individual booth operators—is responsible for obtaining a TFE Permit for each food booth.
• Food booths must be fully set up and ready for inspection at the posted Hours of Operation.
• Organizers must confirm any additional permitting requirements from other City of Austin departments. Contact Austin Center for Events at 512‑978‑0300.
• For large events, organizers may need to meet with the Temporary Food Service Coordinator one month in advance.
Required Facilities Provided by Event Organizers
• Adequate toilet facilities for workers and the public.
• Wastewater disposal options (screen‑covered containers; disposal at a permitted commercial kitchen or via a licensed wastewater hauler; no dumping on ground or in storm drains).
• Covered containers for used cooking grease and arrangements for proper grease recycling.
• Electrical supply sufficient for proper food temperatures and lighting.
• Refrigeration capable of maintaining required temperatures.
• Dust control and approved ground coverings.
• Required permits from other City departments:
• Indoor events: obtain a Temporary Use Permit from Development Services Department.
• Outdoor events: check with Right‑of‑Way Management for Temporary Change of Use permits (call 311).
How to Apply
You may apply online or in person. To apply in person, download the Temporary Food Event Application (PDF).
Application Timeline
• Submit complete applications at least 10 calendar days before the event.
• Applications submitted fewer than 10 days before the event may not be approved and will incur an expedited review fee.
Apply Online
1. Go to Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Create and log in to your account.
3. Select: Special Permitting Food Applications → Temporary Food Event 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.”
Apply In Person
• Visit: 1520 Rutherford Ln, Building 1, Suite 205, Austin, TX 78754.
• Bring government-issued photo ID and all required documents.
• Payment is due at time of submission (see payment section below).
Issue & Delivery
• Permits are non‑transferable.
• Permits must be picked up in person (not mailed).
• Pickup hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Individuals/organizations are limited to 6 events (maximum 84 event days) per calendar year.
• Permit reissues are allowed only for valid reasons (e.g., weather cancellation) and must be requested within 24 hours of the event.
Specialized Processes
A HACCP plan is required for reduced‑oxygen packaging or food preservation processes. Download the Variance Review / HACCP Request (PDF).
Additional Booth Form
Use this form if you need to request more booth permits than will fit in the space provided in the Permit to Operate application: Additional Booth Form (PDF).
Permit Fees
View the full permit fee schedule at Permit Fee Schedule | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.
City of Austin & Inter‑Local Jurisdictions
• 1‑14 days per booth: $62
• Late permit application per booth: $120
Unincorporated Travis County
• 1‑14 days per booth: $52
• No late/expedited fee available
Required On‑Site Operational Standards
All booths must meet the following critical requirements. Violations may result in immediate closure, permit suspension, or food condemnation. For more information, view our Temporary Food Event FAQ (PDF) and How-to Setup a Temporary Food Booth (PDF).
Food Safety Requirements
• No home‑prepared foods allowed. For more information, visit Texas Cottage Food Production | Texas DSHS.
• All food must come from a permitted facility or be prepared on‑site.
• Maintain food temperatures:
• Cold foods at or below 41°F
• Hot foods at or above 135°F
• Cook food to required minimum internal temperatures:
• 145°F – intact meat, fish, freshly cracked eggs
• 155°F – pooled eggs, comminuted meats
• 165°F – poultry and reheated foods
• Provide an approved handwashing station with warm water, soap, paper towels, and a wastewater catch bucket.
• Provide three‑compartment dishwashing basins (wash, rinse, sanitize).
• Use properly maintained hot‑holding equipment (Sterno restricted outdoors unless hooded).
• Use metal stem thermometers (0–220°F range).
• Protect all food, utensils, and paper goods from contamination.
• Use only disposable service items for customers.
Structural Requirements
• Overhead covering required for food prep, cooking, serving, and dishwashing areas.
• Approved ground covering required (concrete, asphalt, plywood, linoleum, clean cardboard, etc.).
• Wastewater must be collected and disposed of properly; never dumped on ground or in storm drains.
• Provide covered garbage containers with liners.
Temporary Food Booth Setup Guide
For more information, view Temporary Food Setup Guide (PDF) .
Basic Booth Requirements
• Permit posted visibly.
• Food source must be a permitted establishment or prepared on‑site.
• Handwashing station with free‐flowing spigot and catch bucket.
• Dishwashing station with three labeled basins.
• Thermometer and chlorine test strips available.
• No dumping wastewater on ground; dispose in sanitary sewer.
• Overhead and ground coverings required outdoors.Austin Fire Department Requirements
(Applies to booths using heat‐producing equipment)
• Tents must be NFPA 701 compliant.
• Cooking tents must be 20 ft from permanent structures and separated from non‑cooking vendors by a 12 ft fire break.
• Required fire extinguishers:
• 2A10BC for all vendors
• Class K extinguisher for frying operations
• 2.5 gallon Class K for solid fuel (wood/charcoal)
• Propane limits and placement rules apply (max 100 lbs per appliance; 200 lbs per vendor).
• No charcoal or wood grilling under tents.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.
Foods That May Be Donated Without a Permit
• Prepackaged, non‑TCS shelf‑stable food (canned goods, cereal, baked goods, bottled water).
Foods Requiring a Permit to Donate
• All TCS foods (e.g., cut melons, dairy, eggs, meats, cooked foods).
• Must be cooled correctly and held at safe temperatures.
• Both donor and recipient must be permitted food establishments.
• Transporters must maintain required holding temperatures.Labeling Requirements
• Prepackaged foods must retain original label.
• Prepared foods must include:
• Food name
• Source
• Date of preparationFoods That Cannot Be Donated
• TCS foods >7 days old or past expiration.
• Dented cans, unlabeled items.
• Distressed foods (fire, smoke, contamination).
• Previously served foods.
• Home‑prepared TCS foods.Food Transport Safety
• Transport food at 41°F or below, or 135°F or above.
• Without temperature control, label foods “Process Immediately” and keep out of temperature control for no more than 4 total hours.
• Use clean, leak‑proof, non‑absorbent containers.
• Do not place food containers directly on the ground.Laws & Regulations
• 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
• Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 – Food and Food Handlers
• Austin City Code Chapter 10-3-96 – Temporary Food Establishments
• Travis County Code Chapter 247 – Food Establishment PermitsContact Information
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 78714Feedback
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To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.