Overview

All retail food establishments, mobile food establishments, temporary event food vendors, farmer's market food vendors, and yard egg producers which operate in the unincorporated areas of Hays County and/or in the cities of Buda, Kyle, and Wimberley are required to obtain a Food Permit from Hays County Development Services.

Do I need a food permit? A food permit is required for anyone conducting the following operations including, but not limited to, stores, prepares, packages, serves/vends food, use of ice as an ingredient, or washing dishes for public use.

A Food Establishment Permit can be applied for online at MyGovernmentOnline. Click on “Customer Portal" then enter "Texas" as the State followed by "Hays County as the "Jurisdiction". Next, click "GO". Log into your account or create an account, if you are a new user.

To view the department's Fee Schedule or the Online Application & Payment Guide, please visit the General Documents page.

Authority is granted to Hays County through the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 437 and Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 228 & 229.

Regulations:

Hays County Food Establishment Regulations

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code 2017

Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 228 (Retail Food Establishments)

Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 229, Subchapter EE (Texas Cottage Food Operations)

Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 229, Subchapter FF (Texas Farmer's Markets)

Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 437 (Regulation of Food Service Establishment, Retail Food Stores, Mobile Food Units, and Roadside Food Vendors)

Below are three (3) options to file a complaint about a food establishment.

1. Call 512 – 393 – 2150.
2. Email the food inspectors with as much detail as possible.
3. Online Reporting: visit MyGovernmentOnline. Click on “Customer Portal" then enter "Texas" as the State followed by "Hays County as the "Jurisdiction". Next, click "GO". On the left side, select "File/Submit a Complaint about a Food Establishment". Lastly follow all the on-screen prompts. Please be as detailed as possible, including any photos, documents, location information, and any other information you believe will assist our investigators.

• Fixed Food Establishment Pre-opening Checklist
• Mobile Food Establishment Pre-opening Checklist
• Variance Request: Mobile Food Establishment Not Visiting Central Prep Facility Each Day of Operation
• Mobile Food Establishment Requirements for Permitting
• Nonprofit School Inspection Request Form
• Food Establishment Change of Ownership
• Food Establishment Allergen Poster
• Food Establishment Vomit & Diarrhea Clean Up Policy
• Food Establishment Illness Reporting Sign & Information
• Vendor Guide (English & Spanish)
  
• Vendor Booth Guide (English & Spanish)
• Handwashing Poster – English
• Handwashing Poster – Spanish
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Retail Food Protection
• Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS) – Cottage Food Production Operations
• Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS) – Farmer’s Market
• Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS) – Guidance Publications
  

For more information about food establishments, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Did not find the information you need? Please reach out to our dedicated staff by emailing foodpermits@hayscountytx.gov or by calling 512-393-2150.