Food Establishments

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.



Legislative Activity & Changes

89th Regular Session (SB 1008, HB 2844, and SB 541):

  • Limits on inspection and permit fees for certain types of food businesses
  • Elimination of food permits for some child care centers
  • Statewide mobile food vendor permitting (The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will permit mobile food units beginning July 1, 2026)
  • No permit required for approved cottage food sales
  • Required notification procedure for all rule and fee changes.
  • Become a stakeholder with our county today by signing up at the bottom of the page


These new statutes require local authorities to coordinate with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), including how fees are charged, how inspections are conducted, and the oversight of mobile food establishments.

Authority & Regulations

Complaints

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.
Resources
Contact A Food Inspector

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.

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Stakeholder Notice

Per Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 437.0127, A county, municipality, or public health district that charges fees, requires permits, or conducts inspections under this chapter shall provide an opportunity for stakeholders to sign up for email updates.


Hays County will email all stakeholders who have signed up for email updates at least 60 days before a fee, permit, or inspection protocol or procedure is revised.


By submitting the information below, you are granting permission / voluntarily subscribing to receive email messages from Hays County Development Services about the aforementioned food establishment fees, permits, or inspection procedures.