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Food Enterprise Operational Permit (after Pre-Opening Inspection): Austin restaurant guide

Austin Public Health — Environmental Health Services

What it is

The annual permit to operate a restaurant, issued after you pass APH's pre-opening inspection.

When a restaurant needs it

Every restaurant that prepares or serves food; also on change of ownership.

How to apply

Request the pre-opening inspection and submit the operational permit application in the APH online portal (or in person/mail at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1, Ste. 205).

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Pre-opening inspection $178. City of Austin & interlocal operating permit by gross annual sales (current): $309 (under $50,000), $618 ($50,000–$149,999.99), $927 ($150,000+). From Nov. 1, 2026 the fee depends on risk category and sales: Risk 1 — $309 / $515 / $541; Risk 2 — $309 / $618 / $879; Risk 3 — $309 / $618 / $927 (under $50k / $50k–$149,999 / $150k+). Unincorporated Travis County: $250–$300
Processing time
Varies
Renewal
Annual — renewal notice mailed 45 days before expiry
Who files
Filed by the permit holder (owner/operator).

Good to know

You may not operate until you pass the pre-opening inspection. Re-inspections cost $134 and late permit fees $120 under the new schedule. Taking over an existing permitted restaurant without remodeling uses APH's 'change of ownership inspection' path instead of a full plan review. A bar with no kitchen still needs this permit (ice, garnishes and bar hand sinks are regulated), and a delivery-only kitchen needs the same permit as a dine-in restaurant.

Official source

APH — Fixed Food Establishments · APH — permit fee schedule (effective Nov. 1, 2026)

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