Health Permits

Health and Food Safety manages the foodservice industry and public health issues including issuing health permits and monitoring public and semi-public swimming pools located within the city. A licensed Inspector also performs inspections on all Temporary Food Establishments for public city events.

Restaurant Scores

Health inspectors give all restaurants a score after each yearly health inspection. Visit our interactive map page to see all restaurants within City limits and their current health scores:

Permit Applications

Food Establishment Application (PDF) - in order to open a restaurant, the owner must submit a Health Permit Application. If the project includes construction or a remodel, a Building Permit must also be submitted for approval.

Farmers Market Application (PDF)

Report a Health and Food Safety Concern

You can report a health and food safety complaint by calling 940-349-8321 or emailing [email protected]. 

Common Types of Health Concerns include:

  • Apartment/Commercial Swimming Pool 
  • Food Establishments - Foodborne Illness, Insects/ Rodents, Unsanitary Condition, Illegal Food Vendors

Mobile Food Units

Snow Cone Stands - In order to obtain a snow cone stand, the following items must be met: a fixed location capable of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. Items for sale must be limited to the sale of snow cones and pre-packaged food or non-potentially hazardous food. Ice and Syrup must be commercially produced. A hand wash sink must be in the building with hot and cold running water; water shall be under pressure. A sink with a minimum of two compartments for washing.

Swimming Pool Application (PDF) - Public or semi-public swimming pools are required to renew their registration yearly. Review the Pool Construction Guide (PDF) and Swimming Pool Renewal Application (PDF).

Temporary Event Application (PDF) - A temporary or special event permit is required to sell or serve food at a fixed location for a period of time, usually in conjunction with an event such as a festival or fair. Temporary Event permits apply to booths, stands, vehicles, or cards. Download the hand wash station guide here. Submit the Temporary Event Application to [email protected] or in person at 401 N Elm St. Denton, TX., 76201. We will call for payment once the permit has been processed. 

Codes and Guides

Food Handler Information

All Employees that work in a food establishment are required to have a current food handler certificate. Online Food handler courses are available in many different languages, including Spanish. Food Handler Certificates are not required to be registered with the City of Denton. This certificate, however, must be available onsite for review by the Health Inspectors.

All Food Managers are required to register with the City of Denton. Registration is $38. If multiple registrations are brought in, please bring payment in the form of a check or money order.

Smoking in Denton

Ordinance Number 2015-121 (PDF), prohibits smoking in certain public establishments, including restaurants and bars. Bars that are currently considered "smoking bars" may continue to operate as such until December 31, 2017, at which point all bars must comply with Ordinance Number 2015-121.