Fixed Food Establishments
To run a business that serves food in Austin, you must obtain a permit to operate. Most businesses follow three main steps to get this permit: plan review, a pre‑opening inspection, and a routine operational inspection. Some businesses that use special methods to cook or prepare food may also need a variance or a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. Once a business receives its permit, it must pass routine food safety inspections and renew the operational permit every year.
Austin Public Health works with business operators to navigate this process. Learn more about each step in the sections below. See the full list of permit fees here: Permit Fee Schedule | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.
Plan Review
A Food Enterprise Plan Review is required for all new constructions and remodeled food establishments. This physical plan review ensures the facility is compliant with state and local health & safety codes. The plan review application process differs depending on where your food business is located. Businesses located in the City of Austin will go through Austin Development Services. Businesses in Unincorporated Travis County or Inter-Local Municipalities submit applications through Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department. For more information, click the drop downs below.
--> Visit the Jurisdictions Web Map to determine in which jurisdiction your business operates.
- Plan Review in the City of Austin
- How to Apply for a Plan Review
Plan review submissions for the City of Austin go through Austin Development Services. To get started, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit Commercial Plan Review | AustinTexas.gov.
Step 2: Submit your application online through Austin Development Services.
Step 3: Once the application is reviewed and approved, you are ready for the next step - to submit the Pre-Opening Inspection Application and the Operational Permit Application.
- City of Austin Plan Review Fees
Plan review fees for applications within the City of Austin:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Event Health & Safety Review $265 New Construction $312 Remodel of Permitted Facility: >10,000 sq. ft. $312 2,500 - 10,000 sq. ft. $266 <2,500 sq. ft. $221 - 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) 451-0231Automated 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) 974-3469Fire 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
- Plan Review in Unincorporated Travis County or an Inter-Local Municipality
- How to Apply for a Plan Review
For plan review submissions in Bee Cave, Lakeway, Manor, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Volente, West Lake Hills and Unincorporated Travis County, you can apply for a permit in three ways: in person, by mail, 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.Apply by Mail
You may mail us your completed paper application at Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.- Print application --> Food Enterprise Plan Review 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 Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Plan Review Application.
- Click Submit a New Plan Review 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.
- Payment Information
Customers may pay in-person, by mail, online, or over the phone. Payment must accompany your application submission. For assistance, please visit our office at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754.
Payment Options
- Payment options for Bee Cave, Lakeway, Manor, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Volente, West Lake Hills include Cash, Check, Money Order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX (in-person or by phone)
- Payment options for unincorporated Travis County include Cash, Check and Money Order
- Make checks and money orders payable to: Austin Public Health
- DO NOT MAIL CASH PAYMENTS
- Plan Review fee may be refundable upon request within 180 days from date of payment
- Fees for Unincorporated Travis County and Inter-Local Municipalities
Fees for plan review submissions in Bee Cave, Lakeway, Manor, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Volente, West Lake Hills:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Event Health & Safety Review $265 New Construction $312 Remodel of Permitted Facility: >10,000 sq. ft. $312 2,500 - 10,000 sq. ft. $266 <2,500 sq. ft. $221 Fees for plan review submissions in Unincorporated Travis County:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Event Health & Safety Review n/a New Construction $10 Remodel of Permitted Facility: >10,000 sq. ft. $10 2,500 - 10,000 sq. ft. $10 <2,500 sq. ft. $10
Pre-Opening Inspection
This 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.
- How to Apply for a Pre-Opening Inspection
You can apply for a permit in three ways: in person, by mail, 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.Apply by Mail
You may mail us your completed paper application at Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.- Print application --> Pre-Opening Inspection 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 Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Pre-Opening Application.
- Click Submit a New Pre-Opening 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.
- Payment Information
Customers may pay in-person, by mail, online, or over the phone. Payment must accompany your application submission. For assistance, please visit our office at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754.
Mail or Walk-in Payments
Payment must accompany applications submitted by mail to Environmental Health Services Division, PO BOX 142529, Austin, TX 78714 - or in person at the walk-in location at 1520 Rutherford LN, Suite 205.Phone Payments
Payment instructions may be emailed to you to make credit card payment over the phone for City of Austin and ILA jurisdictions.Online Payments
For online payments, visit https://austinpay.healthinspections.us/index.cfm.Payment Forms Accepted
- City of Austin and ILA Jurisdiction: Cash, Check, Money Order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX (in-person or by phone), online
- Unincorporated Travis County Jurisdiction: Cash, Check, Money Order
- No Travis County Online payments accepted
- Make checks and money orders payable to: Austin Public Health
- DO NOT MAIL CASH PAYMENTS
- Pre-Opening Inspection Fees
Fees for Pre-Opening Inspection in the City of Austin and Inter-Local Municipalities:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Pre-Opening Inspection $178 Fees for Pre-Opening Inspection in Unincorporated Travis County:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Pre-Opening Inspection n/a
Operational Permit Application
This approval is required to complete the permitting process. Once approved, the owner will receive a physical permit and permission to operate a Food Enterprise. Establishments conducting new/remodel construction must undergo a building plan review prior to submitting an operational permit application. See Plan Review application for further details regarding plans.
- How to Apply for an Operational Permit
You can apply for a permit in three ways: in person, by mail, 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.Apply by Mail
You may mail us your completed paper application at Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.- Print application --> Operational Permit Application: Food Enterprise (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 Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Food Enterprise: Operational Permit Application.
- Click Submit a New Operational Permit Application.
- Select the Facility Type as Food.
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.
*Applicants must submit all necessary paperwork and payments to Austin Public Health and receive approval before obtaining a permit. Approval is based on compliance with State & Local Health Ordinances; application does not guarantee a permit will be granted.
- Payment Information
For City of Austin and ILA jurisdictions, you will receive an email with your invoice, total amount due, and instructions on how to make payment.
- Payment Forms Accepted in the City of Austin and Inter-Local Municipalities: Cash, Check, Money Order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX (in-person or over the phone)
- High-Quality Child Care Providers in the City of Austin, please see Fee Waivers for High-Quality Child Care Providers in Austin. (Word document, 70 KB).
For Travis County, fees will be determined based on an Inspection Frequency Analysis, and the customer will be notified of fee amount due. Applicants will be instructed to submit payment via in-person or mail. Due to the fee assessment process, Travis County applicants that choose to email their applications will see a delay in the process.
- Payment Forms Accepted in Unincorporated Travis County Jurisdiction: Cash, Check, Money Order
- Make checks and money orders payable to: Austin Public Health
- The Permit Application fee may be refundable upon request within 180 days from date of payment.
- Operating Permit Fees
Operating Fees for City of Austin and ILA jurisdictions
Food Service, Retail Food, Food Processing Plant or Warehouse. Operating Permit Fees are based on gross annual volume of food sales:
Gross Annual Volume of Food Sales Permitting Fee $0 - $49,999.99 $309 $50,000 - $149,999.99 $618 $150,000 or more $927 Food Enterprise Operating Permit Fees for Child Care Facilities:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Child Care Facility $309 Qualified High-Quality Childcare Facility (COA Only) $0 Operating Permit Fees for Unincorporated Travis County
Food service, retail food. Fees are based on food safety risk level and number of employees:
Risk & Size Category* Permitting Fee 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 $275 High Risk/Medium - 3B $300 High Risk/Large - 3C $300 Explanation of risk and size categories:
Risk Categories Size Categories 1 (low risk) A (>50 employees) 2 (medium risk) B (26-50 employees) 3 (high risk) C (1-25 employees) Food Enterprise Operating Permit Fees for Child Care Facilities:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Child Care Facility $309 Qualified High-Quality Childcare Facility n/a - Food Enterprise Inspection Fees
Inspection Fees for City of Austin and ILA jurisdictions
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Pre-Opening Inspection $178 Food Re-Inspection $134 Food Inspection outside of normal work hours $173 Central Preparation Facility Registration $150 Permit Late Fee $120 Variance Request/HACCP Review $337 Inspection Fees for Unincorporated Travis County
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Pre-Opening Inspection n/a Food Re-Inspection n/a Permit Late Fee n/a Variance Request/HACCP Review n/a - Permit Renewal Process
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.
- Phone: (512) 978-0300
- Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov
- Walk-in Location: 1520 Rutherford LN, NE corner of Rutherford LN @ Cameron RD, Building 1 East Entrance
- How to Apply for a Variance / HACCP Review
You can apply for a variance or HACCP in three ways: in person, by mail, 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.Apply by Mail
You may mail us your completed paper application at Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.- Print application --> Variance Request / HACCP Review Application (PDF, 195 KB)
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 Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> HACCP/Variance Request Application.
- Click Submit a New Variance Request/HACCP 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.
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.
- Payment Information
Mail or Walk-in Payments: Payment must accompany applications submitted by mail (Environmental Health Services Division, PO BOX 142529, Austin, TX 78714) or in person at the walk-in location (1520 Rutherford LN, Suite 205).
Email: For customers submitting payment via email (ehsd.service@austintexas.gov), payment instructions will be emailed to you to make credit card payment over the phone for City of Austin and ILA jurisdictions.
Payment Forms Accepted:
- Cash, Check, Money Order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX (only in-person or over the phone)
- Online payments: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, e-check
- Make checks and money orders payable to: Austin Public Health
- Credit cards not accepted for Travis County payments. Payment types are subject to change.
Review Fee Information
- HACCP (May include Variance) - $337.00 Per Review (1st resubmission gratis)
- Variance Request (W/O HACCP) - $337.00 Per Review (1st resubmission gratis)
- *Not limited to Bee Cave, Lakeway, Manor, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Volente, Westlake Hills, Pflugerville*
- How to Register a Central Prep Facility
Register 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 Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Central Preparation Facility Registration.
- Click Submit a New Central Preparation Facility Registration.
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.
- Fees for Central Preparation Facility Registration
Fees for Central Preparation Facility Registration:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Central Preparation Facility Registration $150 - Guides
- General FAQ: View frequently asked questions concerning fixed food establishments.
- How to Start a Food Business: View this guide if you are a prospective food enterprise operator.
- Food Establishment Inspection Report: View the form used to inspect a food establishment.
- Sample Floor Plan: View a physical kitchen floor plan example.
- Food Manager/Food Handler Requirements: Learn about the training and certification requirements for food enterprise personnel.
- 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 pertaining to food donation.
- Cottage Food Production: View information concerning cottage food industry.
- Food Safety Laws and Regulations in Austin
Food safety in Austin is governed by multiple layers of law - federal, state, and local - working together.
- Federal Regulations
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code (2017)
The FDA Food Code (2017) provides the national model for food safety standards in retail food establishments. Texas adopts this code into state law, and it forms the foundation for rules governing:
- Safe food handling
- Employee health and hygiene
- Food preparation and storage
- Equipment and facility standards
- Inspection and enforcement systems
- State of Texas Regulations
Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) – 25 TAC Chapter 228
These rules apply to all retail food establishments in Texas and are enforced locally by Austin Public Health. TFER covers:
- Safe food preparation, cooling, reheating, and storage
- Cleanliness and hygiene standards for employees
- Water, plumbing, and wastewater requirements
- Pest control and waste management
- Facility construction and equipment standards
- Rules for mobile food units, temporary events, and bed‑and‑breakfasts
Health & Safety Code Chapter 437 – Regulation of Food Establishments
This statute authorizes the regulation, permitting, and inspection of:
- Food service establishments
- Retail food stores
- Mobile food vendors
- Temporary food events
- Roadside vendors
It also defines requirements for food handler training, certified food managers, and cottage food operations.
Health & Safety Code Chapter 431 (Title 6) – Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
This law regulates the production and distribution of food in Texas. It governs:
- Food adulteration and misbranding
- Standards for labeling and packaging
- Licensing of food manufacturers, wholesalers, and warehouses
- Enforcement actions and penalties
Special focus: Subchapter J contains licensing requirements for food manufacturers, food wholesalers, and warehouse operators.
25 TAC Chapter 229 – Food Manufacturing & Warehouse Regulations
This rule applies to businesses that manufacture, process, pack, hold, or distribute food. Topics include:
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
- Sanitary transportation of food
- Ice manufacturing and storage
- Warehouse sanitation
- Packaging and labeling requirements
- Dietary supplements and specialized food processing
Cottage Food Law (Home‑Based Food Production)
Texas allows certain low‑risk foods to be produced at home without a commercial permit. The law covers:
- Types of foods allowed (non‑perishable items like baked goods, jams, candies)
- Labeling requirements
- Training requirements
- Sales locations and delivery options
- Recent updates (effective 2025) expand allowable foods, increase sales limits, and create new registration categories for cottage food vendors.
- City of Austin Regulations
Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 – Food and Food Handlers
This chapter establishes the local Food Code for the City of Austin. It includes:
- Permit requirements for fixed, mobile, and temporary food establishments
- Plan review requirements for new construction and remodels
- Conditions for operating food establishments
- Local inspection authority and enforcement actions
Austin City Code Chapter 10‑4 – Minors’ Access to Tobacco
Regulates the sale of tobacco and e‑cigarette products, including:
- Retailer responsibilities
- Signage requirements
- Restrictions on sales to minors
Austin City Code Chapter 10‑6 – Smoking in Public Places
Regulates indoor air quality and prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces, including most food establishments.
Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas – Ordinance No. 20151008‑011
Allows food establishments to permit pet dogs in outdoor dining areas when specific safety and sanitation requirements are met.
- Travis County Regulations
Travis County Code Chapter 247 – Food Establishment Permits
This chapter applies only to unincorporated areas of Travis County. It establishes:
- Permitting requirements
- Inspection procedures
- Compliance standards consistent with state rules
- Phone: (512) 978-0300 and select option 5.
- Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov
- Mailing Address: Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.
*All overnight or expedited mail should be sent directly to our Rutherford Lane office to ensure timely processing. - Physical Address: Environmental Health Services, 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754.
- Lobby Hours: 7:45am - 3:30pm | Office Hours: 7:45am - 4:45pm
Renewing a Permit
Food Enterprises that already have an operational permit must renew their permit on an annual basis.
Variance Request / HACCP Review
A variance allows an establishment to deviate from the approved standards. A Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan shows how you will mitigate risks to food safety.
Central Preparation Facility Registration
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.
Resources for Operators
For more information on food business operations, click the drop-down menus below. Printable signage can be found at our Food Establishments Resource Library | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.
Contact Information
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.