Health Permits

Food and Health Safety manages the food service 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.

• Permit Applications
  Food Establishment Application - 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
  
  Mobile Food Units

  • Mobile Food Establishment Application
  • Mobile Food Unit Guidelines
  • Class I Application
  • Class II Application
  • Class III Application
  • Class IV Application

  
  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-potenitally 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 - Public or semi-public swimming pools are required to renew thier registration yearly. Review the Pool Construction Guide and Swimming Pool Renewal Application.
  
  Temporary Event Application - 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 permit application. 
• Codes and Guides
  • Grease Interceptor Information
  • Food and Drug Administration Food Code
  • Texas Cottage Food Law
  • USDA
  • Pool Construction Guide
  • Public swimming pool rules
  • 2013 Food Code Pertaining to the selling of baked goods from home
  • Temporary Event Guidelines for DISD
  • Meat, Poultry and egg production inspection directory

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 No. 2015-121, prohibits smoking in certain public establishments, including restaurants and bars. Bars that are currently considered “smoking bars” may continue to operate as such until Dec. 31, 2017, at which point all bars must comply with Ordinance No. 2015-121.