Temporary Food Events
This program ensures that proper food safety practices are followed at temporary events where food or beverages are served. Please review the information below to determine the permit requirements that apply to your event.
- How to Apply for a Temporary Food Event Permit
You can apply for a temporary food event permit in person or online. Choose the option that works best for you.
Apply in Person
You may come to our office at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Austin, TX 78754, and turn in a printed application.--> Temporary Food Event Application (PDF)
Apply Online
You may apply through the My Health Department Customer Portal. To get started, follow the steps below:- Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
- Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
- Click Special Permitting Food Applications -> Temporary Food Event Application.
- Click Submit a New Temporary Food Event Application.
Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).
Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.
Upload any pertinent files.
Save draft (and edit later if needed).
Click Submit.
From the dashboard, click Past Submissions to view and edit the application, attach new files or add messages.
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.
Once approved, the owner will receive a physical permit and permission to operate a temporary food booth. This approval is required to complete the permitting process.
- Permit Fees
To view the full fee schedule for all permits, visit Permit Fee Schedule | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.
Permit Fees for Temporary Events in the City of Austin and Inter-Local Municipalities:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee 1-14 days per booth $62 Late Permit Application Fee per Booth $120 Permit Fees for Temporary Food Events in Unincorporated Travis County:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee 1-14 days per booth $52 Expedited/Late Permit Application Fee n/a - Variance Review / HACCP Request
Use this application to request a variance, allowing your establishment to deviate from the approved standards, and/or submit a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan showing how you will mitigate risks to food safety.
Resources for Operators
For more information on how to setup and operate a temporary food event, click the drop-down menus below.
- Guides
- Temporary Food Event Application: Temporary Food Event Guidance.
- How to Setup a Temporary Food Booth: find complete information on setting up a temporary food event.
- Temporary Food Setup Guide: View a visual setup guide for temporary food booth layout instructions and fire department guidelines.
- 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.
- Waste: Learn about waste and how to do your part to reduce it.
- Food Donation Facts: Learn about donating food for human consumption.
- Food Donation Guide: View the guidelines for food donation.
- Cottage Food Guidance: View guidance for food preparation operated out of homes.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- General FAQ: View frequently asked questions about temporary food booths.
- Laws and Policies
- Federal Drug Administration: 2017 Food Code
- State Regulations: Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)
- State Regulations: Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Title 6, Chapter 431)
- Texas Administrative Code: Temporary Food Establishments (§228.222)
- Austin City Code: Food Code (Chapter 10-3)
- Austin City Code: Temporary Food Establishments (Chapter 10-3-96)
- County Regulations: Chapter 247, Travis County Food Establishment Permits'
- Phone: (512) 978-0300 and select option 5.
- Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov
- Mailing Address: Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767
- Physical Address: Environmental Health Services, 1520 Rutherford Lane, Building One
- Lobby Hours: 7:45am - 3:30pm | Office Hours: 7:45am - 4:45pm
Contact Us
How can you get in touch with us? Fill out the contact us form. Reach us via phone, email, by mail or in-person at the address below. View a map of our location.
Have Feedback?
To help us better serve our customers, please provide feedback through the online survey below. 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.
--> 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.