Temporary Food Permits
Required Application Forms
How to Apply for a Temporary Food Permit
Attach a copy of a government issued photo ID (driver license) for the person in charge. Applications will not be processed without a government issued photo ID.
Apply by email (recommended)
Please email your completed application including any required property authorizations and any other required documents (photo ID and description of the event) to chs@houstontx.gov as an attached (not embedded) pdf file (not as .jpg files).
If your application is approved an invoice will be emailed to you at the address provided on the application within one business day. If your application is not approved it will be returned with a list of required corrections, revisions, missing documents, or additional details needed. When resubmitting a returned application please resubmit the entire application not just the revisions.
Apply by mail (not recommended)
Alternately, this process may be completed by mail. Please mail your completed application including any required property authorizations, any other required documents, and if desired full payment in the form of a cashier’s check or money order to the Post Office box provided on the application.
If full payment was included with your application and your application is approved your permit will be mailed to your address provided on the application on the following business day. If payment was not included and your application is approved, an invoice will be emailed or mailed to you on the business day following receipt of your application.
If your application is not approved, it will be returned to you by email or mail with a list of required corrections, revisions, missing documents, or additional details needed. If payment was included, your application and payment will be returned by mail. When resubmitting a returned application please resubmit the entire application not just the revisions.
Temporary Food Permit Application Considerations
- A temporary food permit may be issued only if the temporary food service establishment is part of an “event” or “celebration” as defined in §20-18 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances. §20-18 defines an event or celebration as a gathering of persons at a festival, bazaar, carnival, circus, public exhibition, or sporting event.
- You may purchase up to 105 days of permits at the same location per calendar year. An application for a temporary food permit will not be approved beyond 105 days per year for the same vendor at the same location.
- Applications for temporary food permits must be received, approved, processed, and payment made at least 7 full calendar days before the first day of the permit not including the day payment is received or the first day of the permit to avoid a late payment fee.
- Fees paid for temporary food permits are not refundable under any circumstances.
- A limited one-time raincheck is available for postponements and cancellations if the Houston Health Department is notified before the permit start date and time. Additional conditions apply.
- To resubmit an application that was returned to you, reply to the notification including the notification, your complete application including any required revisions, all necessary documents, and any additional details or explanations requested as an attached PDF file or files.