Public Health Regulations for Unincorporated Areas of Travis County
Living or operating a business in unincorporated Travis County? Austin Public Health (APH) provides public health and environmental safety services throughout the county under contract agreements. This page explains what services are available, how to request assistance, and the laws and regulations that guide our work.
What We Do in Travis County
APH’s Environmental Health Services Division provides a wide range of activities to protect public health in unincorporated areas of Travis County, including:
Food Safety Services
• Permitting and routine inspections for fixed food establishments
• Investigation of foodborne illness or unsafe food handling complaints
• Enforcement of state and local food safety laws
Public Pools & Spas
• Permitting and inspecting public swimming pools, spas, and interactive water features
• Verifying water quality, safety equipment, and compliance with enclosure requirements
Environmental Health & Nuisance Investigations
• Environmental surveillance and site assessments
• Response to nuisance complaints such as:
– High grass and weeds
– Litter, trash, or rubbish
– Standing or stagnant water
– Exposed sewage or wastewater
– Abandoned or junk vehicles
– Unsanitary or substandard structures
• Collaboration with partner agencies to resolve violations and achieve voluntary compliance
Childcare Facility Inspections
• Sanitation and environmental health inspections for childcare operations within county jurisdiction
Do You Need to Report a Problem?
You should contact Austin 3‑1‑1 if you notice conditions that may pose a public health concern in unincorporated Travis County, including:
• Sewage leaks or wastewater discharge
• Standing water attracting mosquitoes
• Accumulated trash or debris
• Abandoned or unsafe structures
• Illegal dumping
• Animal pens causing nuisance odors or sanitation issues
• Possible foodborne illness or unsafe food handling
Austin 3‑1‑1 will route your concern to the appropriate responding agency.
For questions about inspections or to request a second opinion, call 512‑978‑0300 (Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m.).
Partner Agencies
Many environmental issues require joint response. APH works closely with:
• Transportation & Natural Resources | Travis County, Texas
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.texas.gov
• LCRA - Lower Colorado River Authority - Energy, Water, Community
• Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG)
• Capital Area Regional Environmental Task Force
This coordination helps ensure effective resolution of environmental health concerns across the county.
Laws & Regulations
Environmental and public health enforcement in Travis County is guided by federal, state, and local regulations, including:
Food Protection
• Federal Drug Administration: 2017 Food Code
• Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)
• Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 6, Chapter 431. Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
• Chapter 247, Travis County Food Orders
Nuisances
• Travis County Chapter 261, Abatement of Nuisances
• Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 341.011
• Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 343
Animal Pens
• Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 341.011
Illegal Dumping
• Texas Health & Safety Code 365.011 & 365.012, Littering
Swimming Pools and Spas
• Travis County Chapter 61A, Swimming Pools
• Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 757 for Pool Yard Enclosures
• Texas Health and Safety Code 341.064 for Swimming Pools and Bathhouses
• Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 265
Contact 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 78714
Report a nuisance: Austin 3-1-1 | City of Austin | AustinTexas.gov
Have Feedback?
Help us improve our services by completing the Environmental Health Services feedback survey: 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.