Inspection Requirements
The establishment owner/operator or the building contractor is responsible for ensuring that all building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, environmental, health and fire inspections are made, approved and recorded by central records and certificate of occupancy (CofO) section of the Development Services Department before a food establishment license is issued and the establishment may open for business.
All applicable requirements must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact the Disability Access Office at 210-207-7243.
CofO Health Inspection Checklist(PDF, 181KB)
A valid CofO must be presented at the time you wish to purchase a food permit. Food establishment permits must be purchased through Development Services:
Phone: 210-207-0135
Address:
Businesses Requiring a Food Establishment Permit
- Food Establishment (FE)
-
An operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, or otherwise provides food for human consumption such as: a restaurant; retail food store; satellite or catered feeding location; catering operation, if the operation provides food directly to a consumer or to a conveyance used to transport people; market; remote catered operations; conveyance used to transport people; institution; or food bank; and that relinquishes possession of food to a consumer directly, or indirectly through a delivery service such as home delivery of grocery orders or restaurant takeout orders, or delivery service that is provided by common carriers.
- Time and temperature control for safety food (TCS)
- TCS foods require time and temperature control for safety to limit pathogen growth or toxin production.
NOTE: Food establishments selling pre-packaged, non-time and temperature control for safety (non-TCS) foods, no longer require a food permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I go about opening my own food business?
- First you must have access to a location that is zoned for that activity. Complete the City Certificate of Occupancy requirements at the Development and Business Services Center at 1901 S. Alamo. Clerks are available to assist you. Finally, purchase a Food Establishment Permit at the same location. If you need more information, download the “Small Business Resource Guide” from the City's Economic Development Department or contact the Small Business Liaison at 210-207-3903 for assistance.
- How much does it cost to run a restaurant?
- Expenditures vary considerably. You have to consider rent, utilities, labor, equipment, supplies, maintenance, and City Food Establishment Permit fees. If you need more specific assistance, call the Small Business Liaison at 210-207-3903 to meet with a business counselor.
Fees
Food Establishment Permit
Annual permit fee to operate a food service establishment in San Antonio is based on gross annual volume of food sales.
- $0 - $49,999: $310.00
- $50,000 - $149,999: $618.00
- $150,000 or more: $928.00
Schools
| Type |
Fee |
Description |
| Schools - for profit contractor |
$240 |
Annual permit fee to operate a school food with a for profit contractor. |
| Schools - ISD & non-profit contractor |
$240 |
Fee for 2 inspections for schools associated with ISD or non-profit contractor for each school year. |
Additional Fees May Apply
| Type |
Fee |
Description |
| Food Permit Late Fee |
$100 |
Late fee charged when food permit fee is more than 30 days overdue. |
| Food Permit Replacement Fee |
$15 |
Permit replacement for lost documentation. |
| Health Licensing Inspection |
$150 |
Fee will be charged for a pre-permitting inspection of existing food establishment facilities when there is a change of ownership requiring a new permit without requiring issuance of a new certificate of occupancy. |
| Consultation Fee |
$139 |
Fee charged when requesting a Pre-Certificate of Occupancy Inspection or other consultative inspection visits not part of the normal routine inspection process. |
| Food Establishment Permit Reinstatement Fee |
$103 |
Fee to reinstate permit after it was suspended. |
| Fee for Operating a Food Establishment Without a Proper Permit |
$154 |
Fee assigned when an illegal food operation is discovered by an Environmental Health Officer. |
Food Establishment Reinspection Fees
Fee for any food establishment or food vendor that requires inspection beyond the normal schedule. Each reinspection is $150.