Fixed Food Establishments

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.

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.

• Please include the completed Food Enterprise Plan Review Application (PDF) with all other required documents when submitting your application through Commercial Plan Review.

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) 451-0231	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

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:

1. Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
3. Click Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Plan Review Application.
4. Click Submit a New Plan Review Application.

5. Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).

6. Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.

7. Upload any pertinent files.

8. Save draft (and edit later if needed).

9. Click Submit.

10. 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:

1. Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
3. Click Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Pre-Opening Application.
4. Click Submit a New Pre-Opening Application

5. Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).

6. Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.

7. Upload any pertinent files.

8. Save draft (and edit later if needed).

9. Click Submit.

10. 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:

1. Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
3. Click Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Food Enterprise: Operational Permit Application.
4. Click Submit a New Operational Permit Application.
5. Select the Facility Type as Food.

6. Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).

7. Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.

8. Upload any pertinent files.

9. Save draft (and edit later if needed).

10. Click Submit.

11. 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

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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

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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

Renewing a Permit

Food Enterprises that already have an operational permit must renew their permit on an annual basis.

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

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.

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:

1. Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
3. Click Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> HACCP/Variance Request Application.
4. Click Submit a New Variance Request/HACCP Application.

5. Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).

6. Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.

7. Upload any pertinent files.

8. Save draft (and edit later if needed).

9. Click Submit.

10. 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*

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.

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:

1. Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
3. Click Retail and Wholesale Food Applications -> Central Preparation Facility Registration.
4. Click Submit a New Central Preparation Facility Registration.

5. Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).

6. Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.

7. Upload any pertinent files.

8. Save draft (and edit later if needed).

9. Click Submit.

10. 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

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.

Guides

• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

• General FAQ: View frequently asked questions concerning fixed food establishments.
• Cottage Food Production: View information concerning cottage food industry.

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)
• State Regulations: Food Manufacturing and Food Warehouse Regulations
• Austin City Code: Food Code (Chapter 10-3)
• Austin City Code: Minors Access to Tobacco (Chapter 10-4)
• Austin City Code: Smoking in Public Places (Chapter 10-6)
• Austin City Code: Dogs Permitted in Outdoor Dining Areas (Ordinance No. 20151008-011)
• County Regulations:  Travis County Code, Chapter 247 -- Food Establishment Permits'

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.

• 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

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.