Opening a Food Establishment in the City of Houston

If you are considering opening a food establishment, the Houston Health and Human Services Department’s (HDHHS) Consumer Health Services Bureau can help you in making your business venture a successful one. The following procedures can save you time and perhaps money.

Submit in person two sets of plans and specifications to: City of Houston - Commercial Plan Review Section, 3300 Main, Houston, Texas 77002 (Telephone 713-535-7500)

Plans must be drawn to scale and include:

• Floor plan including the proposed layout of all equipment.
• Elevations of all food service equipment.
• Room-finish schedule including material type and finish color.
• Plans for remodeling should include existing, demolition and proposed floor plan and equipment layout.
• After the plan checking office reviews the plans, the person who submitted the plans will be notified. The plans are either approved or rejected by the reviewer. Rejected plans are returned with lists of specific corrections, changes or alterations that must be made in order to obtain approval. Approved plans are stamped and dated. Once approved, a building permit, if needed is issued. No construction should take place until the plans are approved and the building permit is issued by the Planning and Development Department.

One set of plans is retained for filing and the other set is returned to the submitter. The approved set must be kept on the job site until all construction is completed and a pre-opening inspection is performed by the HDHHS.

• Commercial plan review information

• Cerficate of Occupancy information

• Apply for a building permit online

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP of existing food establishment in the City of Houston. 

Anyone desiring to rent, lease, purchase or re-open an existing food establishment may request a review of the food establishment’s file folder. (713-794-9200 for appointment)

• If the food establishment has no structural or equipment deficiencies, it may be possible to obtain a food dealer’s permit to operate. HDHHS inspection must determine compliance with the current City Food Ordinance.
• If the food establishment inspection reports document a history of Ordinance violations, including structural or equipment defects, it may be necessary to submit plans and specifications for remodeling and/or additions to bring the establishment up to existing standards.
• Anyone desiring an inspection of an existing food establishment must call in advance of the inspection date.
• All existing violations will be documented on the inspection report. After all corrections have been completed, a reinspection must be performed to determine compliance prior to operating.
• Once an application for a food dealer’s permit is issued by the HDHHS, it must be hand carried and paid at the Department’s office prior to operating the new business.

Please call 713-794-9200 to schedule an inspection or for more information regarding the HDHHS requirements for operating a food establishment.

 PRE-OPENING INSPECTIONS

• These inspections are conducted by appointment only and are made on a first-come first-served basis. To make an appointment, contact 713-794-9200.
• An approved set of plans must be on the job site for new construction/extensive remodeling.
• All construction must correspond to approved set of plans.
• A permit application for a food dealer’s permit will be issued after the final pre-opening inspection.
• The application must be hand carried and paid at the Department office prior to operating the food establishment.
• The fee for each pre-opening inspection is $50.00

PERMITS 

• No person may operate a food establishment without a valid/current food dealer’s permit.
• Permits are not transferable from one address to another or from one person to another.
• Permits must be posted in the view of the public.
• Permits remain the property of the Department.
• Permits must be renewed on an annual basis.
• It is the responsibility of the permit holder to contact the Department if the application for permit renewal has not been received.

Office Address: 8000 North Stadium Drive, 2nd Fl, Houston, Texas 77054

PROCEDURES GOVERNING FOOD ESTABLISHMENT BLUEPRINTS (PLANS)

o Why do you need a set of plans (blueprints)?

If there is construction/remodeling/alteration/conversion of an existing structure to a food establishment, plans are required. The submitted plans must comply with set criteria for public health that are acceptable by both the building officials and other enforcement agencies.

o When do you need a set of plans (blueprints)?

Plans (blueprints) are required before a new or existing food establishment is to be constructed, remodeled or altered. Plans are also required if an existing structure is converted into a food establishment. Plans are to be submitted and approved prior to any construction, operation or demolition.

o Who reviews the plans and why?

Many sections of the Planning and Development Department (such as structural, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, waste water, traffic and transportation, fire safety) and the HDHHS have criteria that structure will meet in order to provide safe and sanitary amenities to the users of the establishment. All plan examiners review plans to determine compliance with respective City Ordinances.

o Where can one get a set of proper plans?

Most architectural and engineering firms offer plans drafting services. Some restaurant supply and design firms also offer this service.

o Do you need a set of plans to change food services?

Yes. If a food establishment changes types of food and beverages offered, plans are required.

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