SA Metro Health — Food Establishment Permits

The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) issues annual food establishment permits under the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER). A valid Certificate of Occupancy (see [[sa-dsd-building-permits]]) must be presented when purchasing a food permit.

Annual Food Establishment Permit fees

Fee is based on gross annual volume of food sales:

Annual Sales Volume Annual Permit Fee
$0 – $49,999 $310.00
$50,000 – $149,999 $618.00
$150,000 or more $928.00

A new coffee shop at 601 Delaware would likely start in the $310 tier and move to $618 once established.

Other food establishment fees

Type Fee Notes
Reinspection $150 Any inspection beyond the normal schedule
Health Licensing Inspection $150 Pre-permitting inspection for change of ownership requiring new permit without new COO
Consultation Fee $139 Pre-COO inspection or other consultative visits
Food Permit Late Fee $100 Permit more than 30 days overdue
Food Permit Replacement $15 Lost documentation
Permit Reinstatement $103 After suspension
Operating Without Permit $154 Penalty when discovered by Environmental Health Officer

Mobile / temporary permit fees

Type Fee Notes
Mobile Food Vendor — unpackaged non-TCS $100  
Mobile Food Vendor — prepackaged TCS $200  
Mobile Food Vendor — openly handled TCS $258  
Temporary Food Permit (14 days) $52  
Temporary Food Permit (2 years) $200  

Staff certification requirements

  • Every shift must have at least one Certified Food Manager (CFM) on site
  • CFM course (accredited): covers foodborne illness prevention, HACCP, allergen management
  • Estimated cost: $75–$150 per person; valid 5 years
  • Food handler cards: $7–$15 per person

Physical office

Food and Environmental Office at Development and Business Services
1901 South Alamo, San Antonio, TX
Hours: 7:45am–4:30pm
Phone: (210) 207-0135
General inquiries: call 311 or (210) 207-6000

Relevance to 601 Delaware

601 Delaware’s last documented use was auto repair (Olympia Mobile Alignment, 1989). Opening a coffee shop constitutes a change of use — a new COO is required (see [[sa-dsd-building-permits]]) before Metro Health will issue a food permit. Annual permit cost at opening-year sales volume: likely $310/year.

See also

  • [[sa-dsd-building-permits]] — Certificate of Occupancy and building permit process
  • [[hh-coffee-factory]] — 601 Delaware Street context