Food Dealer (food establishment operating permit)

HHD1003
Plan Review
Required
Inspection
Required
Renewal
Required
Fee
$295.90 to $1042.14
Admin fee
$32.16 (applied to inspection fee)
Plan review fee
$45.02 to $1,814.10
Inspection fee
$109.35 (unoccupied) or $218.72 (occupied)
Renewal fee
$295.90 to $1042.14
Late Fee
$64.32
Valid Period
1 year
Processing Time
up to 15 business days
APPLY, PLAN REVIEW & INSPECTIONS QUESTIONS
Houston Health Department

Plan Review:

1002 Washington Ave, 3rd floor
Houston, TX 77002

Inspections and Permits:

8000 North Stadium Dr., 2nd floor
Houston, TX 77054

832.393.5208
7:30 am to 4:30 pm

About

Food establishment means an operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food for human consumption and includes all food service establishments, warehouses, packaged-food-only food establishments, food processing establishments, and commissaries.

After Approval

Permit must be kept on premises in public view. Non-scheduled/unannounced inspections are conducted. Renewal invoices are sent 30-45 days prior to expiration date. 

Additional Resources
Statutory Authority
What You Need

For new construction, change of use, and remodel or renovation, complete a Building Permit application and Deed Restrictions declaration form.


Apply Online
  1. Log in or create an iPermits account.
  2. Complete the building permit application and upload the declaration form.
  3. Submit pay application fees.
  4. Receive email invitation to upload plans.
Conditions & Exceptions

Procedure is for new construction. Procedure for change of owner without remodeling is different.

Additional Resources
What You Need

Plan review is required for new construction or extensive remodeling. Review the plan submission checklists for required documents and design elements.

Submit Plans Online
  1. Once fees are paid, you will receive an invitation to upload plans into ProjectDox.
  2. Upload all required documents and drawings
  3. Mark complete the assigned task.
What You Need
  1. Once construction is completed, a preoperational inspection is required.
  2. If corrections are required, call 832.393.5100 for a reinspection.
  3. If inspection is passed then an operating permit is invoiced and processed when payment is received. 
Schedule by Phone

To request an inspection or re-inspection, call 832-393-5100. Customer will be notified the day of inspection as to timeslot of inspection.

Conditions & Exceptions

To request an inspection via email: [email protected]

What You Need

1. A renewal invoice is mailed 30-45 days prior to the expiration date. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to contact the Health Department prior to expiration date if an invoice is not received. 

Renew Online

1. Click the Pay Now link; 2. Accepted forms of payment are credit/debit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover) 3. Once payment is received, the permit will be mailed to the address on file.

Renew in Person

8000 N. Stadium, Houston, TX 77054, 1st floor or at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002 (permit is mailed if at HPC)

Renew by Mail

1. Fill out the bottom of the invoice and include the check (money order, cashier check, business check) to P.O. Box 300008, Houston, TX 77230-008; Once payment is processed a permit will be mailed to the address on file.

Conditions & Exceptions

Any outstanding balances must be paid prior to or at the same time the permit is renewed. A zero due balance is required to generate the invoice.

What You Need

1. A renewal invoice is mailed 30-45 days prior to the expiration date. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to contact the Health Department prior to expiration date if an invoice is not received. 

Renew Online

1. Click the Pay Now link; 2. Accepted forms of payment are credit/debit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover) 3. Once payment is received, the permit will be mailed to the address on file.

Renew in Person

8000 N. Stadium, Houston, TX 77054, 1st floor or at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002 (permit is mailed if at HPC)

Renew by Mail

1. Fill out the bottom of the invoice and include the check (money order, cashier check, business check) to P.O. Box 300008, Houston, TX 77230-008; Once payment is processed a permit will be mailed to the address on file.

Conditions & Exceptions

Any outstanding balances must be paid prior to or at the same time the permit is renewed. A zero due balance is required to generate the invoice.