Environmental Health Services

Food Safety Programs

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.

Food Handler and Food Manager Requirements

• 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.

My Health Department Client Portal

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

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

Permit Fee Schedule

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

Food Safety Resources

• 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)

Public Health Nuisances

• 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.

Childcare, Foster Care, and Adoption Housing

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

Pool, Spas, Interactive Water Features & Fountains

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.

Mosquito and Rodent Control (Rodent and Vector)

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.

Announcements

All Applications Must be Submitted Through My Health Department - June 11, 2025

As part of our commitment to improving service delivery, Environmental Health Services at Austin Public Health is transitioning to a new digital platform. Effective June 11, 2025 we will no longer accept health and safety permit applications via email. All applications must be submitted through our new My Health Department Customer Portal. This system will streamline the application process and enable direct communication through your account. For more information visit My Health Department Resource Center | AustinTexas.gov.

We appreciate your patience as we make this transition. While we anticipate some initial adjustments, our goal is to enhance your experience and service quality.

More updates and resources will be shared as June 11 approaches. Thank you for your continued partnership.

 

New Software for APH Environmental Health Services Division Clients!

Starting February 3, 2025, APH Environmental Health Services Division clients will be 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.

As part of our commitment to improving service delivery, Environmental Health Services at Austin Public Health is transitioning to a new digital platform.

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

For more information, visit: My Health Department Resource Center | AustinTexas.gov

 

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.

Full List of Services

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.

Have Feedback?

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.