How to file the food dealer permit (Houston)
The operating permit, issued after plan review and inspection. The application is emailed to Food-COO@houstontx.gov.
- Agency
- Houston Health Department
- Where it applies
- Houston
- How it's filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Fee
- Varies
- How long it takes
- Up to 15 business days.
- Renewal
- Every year.
The form, line by line
| Line | What goes there |
|---|---|
| Page 1 | Application typeNew Application/Preopening / Change of Ownership / Extensive Remodel / Permit Amendment |
| Business Information | Business Name/DBA |
| Business Information | Business Address / Zip Code |
| Business Information | Mailing Address / Zip CodeRenewal notices are mailed here. |
| Business Information | Business Phone / Alternate Phone |
| Business Information | EmailInvoice and payment instructions are emailed. |
| Business Information | Tax ID |
| Business Information | Hours of Operation |
| Business Information | Business Type (Retail Food)Restaurant / Bar / Bakery / Childcare Center / School / Convenience Store / Shared Kitchen / Bed & Breakfast / Boarding Home / Church / Concession Stand / Hospital |
| Business Information | Business Entity/Owner |
| Business Information | Org TypeLLC / Corporation / Proprietorship / Partnership |
| Business Information | Contact Phone / Contact email |
| Business Information | Responsible Party (if different) |
| Business Information | Date of Birth |
| Business Information | Contact Phone / Contact email |
| Business Information | Mailing Address |
| Business Information | Driver's License (number / State) |
| Permit Information | Permit TypeHigh / Medium / Low |
| Operations Information | Proposed Business Start Date |
| Operations Information | Project NumberBuilding permit/plan review project number, if any. |
| Change of Ownership | Previous Owner |
| Change of Ownership | Account Number |
| Page 3, 1 | Food service process (choose one)Low Risk / Medium Risk / High Risk |
| Page 3, 2 | Is food served primarily to highly susceptible populations?Yes / No |
| Page 3, 3 | Are any specialized processing methods utilized (e.g., additives, sous vide, cook-chill)?Yes / No |
| Page 3, 4 | Are raw or undercooked meats (cook to order) or unpasteurized juices offered?Yes / No |
What to attach
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Food Service Manager Certificate
- Menu
- Copy of previously approved plans
- Scope of Operations
- Sales and Use Tax permit
- Identification for Responsible Party
- Most recent 5 Grease Trap Manifests
- HACCP plan and/or Variance request (if applicable)
- Ownership documents by entity type: Certificate of Assumed Name (proprietorship); Partnership Agreement or Certificate of Limited Partnership; Articles of Organization + Certificate of Filing (LLC); A
Official links
Checked against the agency's own page.
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Get the plan for your exact address
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders