Permit guides › Austin › AUS-TR-02

AFD Annual Public Assembly (PA) Permit: Austin restaurant guide

Austin Fire Department — Fire Marshal's Office

What it is

Annual fire permit and inspection for places of public assembly that are effectively bars.

When a restaurant needs it

Establishments with an occupancy of 50 or more AND gross sales that are 51% (or more) alcohol.

How to apply

Submit the online Annual Public Assembly Permit Application with your Austin Build + Connect ID, occupancy information and an inspection point of contact.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Varies — not stated on the application; failed inspections incur a re-inspection fee ($254 minimum)
Processing time
Varies — inspection scheduled after application
Renewal
Annual
Who files
The property owner or legal representative must obtain and maintain it.

Good to know

Food-first restaurants (under 51% alcohol) don't need this permit, but any restaurant with 50+ occupants is still an assembly (A-2) occupancy under the building code.

Official source

Austin — apply for Austin Fire permits · AFD — Public Assembly permit application

Get your personalized Austin permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.