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Starter Kits -- Food Service
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Business Requirements
1. FOOD DEALERS, HANDLERS PERMIT
Authority: City of Houston Health Department
Address: 8000 N. Stadium Dr. (North of NRG Stadium)
Phone: 832-393-5100
Web: www.houstontx.gov/health/Food
Food service businesses including caterers, restaurants, mobile food units, roadside, farmers markets, day care centers, manufacturing, packaging etc., require permits and periodic inspection. Conducts weekly Food Manager's Certification Classes (FEES). For WIC Program information, call 832-393-5427, for Grease Trap inspections call 832-393-5740. In HARRIS COUNTY call 713-274-6300 (NEW); In FORT BEND CO. call 281-342-7469
2. HOUSTON FIRE MARSHALL
Authority: City of Houston Fire Department
Phone: 832-394-8899
Web: www.houstontx.gov/fire/formsandpermits/
The HFD issues permits for storage, handling, and manufacture of flammable liquids and combustibles; Public Assembly; Maximum Occupancy; Tents; Open burning; Day Care facilities (832-393-9083).
In HARRIS COUNTY the County Fire Marshall (281-436-8000) enforces the State Insurance Code. Harris Co. Pollution Control (713-920-2831) and the TCEQ (713-767-3500) must be notified in the event of a toxic waste spill.
3. CITY OF HOUSTON SMOKING ORDINANCE
Authority: City of Houston Health Department
Phone: 832-393-5750
Web: www.houstontx.gov/health/Environmental/smoking_ordinance.html (and) https://www.dshs.texas.gov/tobacco/tobacco-enforcement
Enforces the No-Smoking Ordinance within Houston city limits as well as the Cigarette Vending Machine Ord.
4. COMMERCIAL PERMITTING & ENFORCEMENT
Authority: City of Houston Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department
Phone: 832-394-8801
Web: https://www.houstontx.gov/ara/regaffairs/commercialpermitting/index.html
Permits are issued yearly for Second-Hand Merchandise; Roadside Vendors (Non-food Roadside Vendors are NOT Beverages); Amusement & Game Machines (Non-Food); Flea Markets; Dance Halls; Scrap Dealers; Mini Warehouses; Loudspeaker Operation & Others.
For Hotel Occupancy Tax, call 713-368-2000 for the Harris County Tax Assessor.
For Out-Of-Business permits, call the HCAD at 713-957-5627
5. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (CO)
Authority: Department of Public Works & Engineering
Phone: 832-394-8880
Web: www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/building-code-enforcement.html
6. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION
Authority: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Phone: 713-426-7900, 800-622-5991
Additional Business requirements may be needed.
IMPORTANT!!
THE CITY OF HOUSTON ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FAILURE TO OBTAIN ALL NECESSARY OPERATING PERMITS, LICENCES, OR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS.