Temporary Food Events
Planning to hold a public event in Austin-Travis County? A Temporary Food Event Permit is required anytime food or drinks are offered to the public at an event. This page will help you quickly determine whether you need a Temporary Food Event Permit, how to apply, what the associated fees are, and where to find the resources that you need to operate safely and in compliance with local and state regulations.
Start here: Pre-Application Information
- Do You Need a Temporary Food Event Permit?
A Temporary Food Service Permit is required anytime food or drinks are offered to the public at an event in Austin. For more information, see our Temporary Food Event FAQ (PDF).
In general, if your event meets any of these conditions, a permit is required to operate:
- The event is open to the general public.
- Anyone outside your organization, their families, or invited guests can attend.
- The event is publicly advertised, such as through social media, websites, flyers, or public ticket sales.
- You plan to serve open food, open‑container beverages
- What You Need to Know Before Applying
- Please review the following information before starting your application. More guidance is available in our Temporary Food Event Application Information (PDF).
Event Responsibilities- The temporary event organizer (not the individual booth operator) is required to obtain all necessary
Temporary Food Booth Permits for each booth at the event. - Event organizers are responsible for verifying permitting requirements from other City of Austin
Departments. Contact Austin Center for Events by phone (512)-978-0300 for more information. - Food booth(s) must be set-up and ready for inspection at the hours listed under the Hours of
Operation for each day.
Permit Application Timeline
- Submit completed applications to the department at least 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled event.
- Applications submitted less than 10 calendar days prior to the start of the event may not be approved
and will be subject to an expedited review fee.
Permit Issue & Delivery
- Permits are non-transferable.
- Permits must be picked up in person, at the Walk-in Location. (1520 Rutherford Ln).
- Permits are available for pick-up Monday through Friday 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM.
- Individuals/Organizations may not obtain more than six (6) event permits per calendar year (Max 84 event days).
- The temporary event organizer (not the individual booth operator) is required to obtain all necessary
How to Apply for a Permit
Use the drop-down menus below to learn how to apply for a Temporary Food Event Permit, access supplemental application documents, and review current permit fees. This section provides clear steps to help you understand what is needed for a complete and accurate application.
-> Download the Temporary Food Event Application (PDF)
- 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. If you have any additional documents, turn them in along with the application.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.
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.
Need help? Visit the APH office (1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205) or call 512‑978‑0300.
- Additional Application Documents - Variance, HACCP, Additional Booths
Variance Request or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan
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.-> Variance Review / HACCP Request Application (PDF)
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.- Temporary Food Event 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
Guides: How to Operate a Food Booth
Use the drop-down menus below to find guidance on how to set up and operate a temporary food booth safely and in compliance with City of Austin requirements. This section also includes FAQs, guidance on food donation and waste reduction, and resources for Texas Cottage Food Production.
- Temporary Food Event Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
A list of frequently asked questions for temporary event organizers and staff.-> Temporary Food Event FAQ (PDF)
How to Set Up a Temporary Food Event
This guide provides complete information on how to set up a temporary food event.-> How-to Setup a Temporary Food Booth (PDF)
Temporary Food Event Setup Guide
This document gives information on layout, equipment, and electrical/fire safety.- Food Donation and Waste Reduction
A food donation guide, fact sheet, and information on how to reduce waste.
-> Universal Recycling Ordinance | Austin Resource Recovery | AustinTexas.gov
- Texas Cottage Food Production
View guidance on cottage food production: food preparation operated out of homes.
- Federal Regulations
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code
The US FDA Food Code (2017) provides the national model for food safety standards in retail food establishments. Texas adopts the 2017 FDA Food Code into state law, forming the basis for requirements related to safe food handling; employee health and hygiene; food preparation and storage practices; equipment and facility standards; and inspection and enforcement systems.
- State of Texas Regulations
Texas Food Establishment Rules
25 TAC Chapter 228 establishes statewide health and safety standards for retail food establishments in Texas. It includes requirements for safe food preparation, cooling, reheating, and storage; employee cleanliness and hygiene; water, plumbing, and wastewater systems; pest control and waste management; and facility construction and equipment standards. It also sets operational rules for mobile food units, temporary food establishments, and bed‑and‑breakfast operations.
-> Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) – 25 TAC Chapter 228
Regulation of Food Establishments
Health & Safety Code Chapter 437 governs the regulation, permitting, and inspection of food establishments in Texas. It establishes requirements for food service establishments, retail food stores, mobile food vendors, temporary food events, and roadside vendors; and defines standards for food handler training, certified food managers, and cottage food operations.
-> Health & Safety Code Chapter 437 – Regulation of Food Establishments
Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
Health & Safety Code Chapter 431 (Title 6) regulates the production and distribution of food in Texas. It establishes standards for food adulteration and misbranding; requirements for labeling and packaging; licensing provisions for food manufacturers, wholesalers, and warehouse operators; and enforcement actions and penalties. Subchapter J specifically outlines licensing requirements for food manufacturers, food wholesalers, and warehouse facilities.
-> Health & Safety Code Chapter 431 (Title 6) – Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
- City of Austin and Travis County Regulations
Food and Food Handlers
Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 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 10‑3 – Food and Food Handlers
Temporary Food Establishments
Chapter 10-3-96 of the Austin City Code outlines the requirements for operating a Temporary Food Establishment within the city. It establishes permit requirements for vendors at fairs, festivals, fundraisers, and other temporary events; standards for safe food preparation, storage, and handling; requirements for equipment, handwashing, wastewater disposal, and booth setup; conditions that must be met during event operations to protect public health; and the inspection authority of Austin Public Health to ensure compliance.
-> Austin City Code Chapter 10-3-96 – Temporary Food Establishments
Food Establishment Permits
Travis County Code Chapter 247 establishes permits requirements for food establishments operating within Travis County jurisdiction; inspection procedures enforced by county health authorities; compliance standards that align with state rules under Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code. This chapter applies only to unincorporated areas of Travis County.
-> Travis County Code Chapter 247 – 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.
*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.
Food Safety Laws and Regulations
Food safety in Austin is governed by federal, state, and local laws. The sections below provide an overview of the regulations that apply to food establishments and temporary food events, including permitting requirements, operational standards, and inspection authority. Click the drop-down menus below to learn more.
Contact Information
If you need assistance, we're here to help. Use the contact us form or reach us by phone, email, mail, or in person at the address below. You can also view a map of our location for easy directions.
Have Feedback?
We welcome your feedback and use it to improve our services. Please share your experience through the online survey below. If you need to address a concern or request a second opinion about an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through 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.