Houston FOG

A kitchen checklist — not a legal memo

Written for owners and ops leads who need to pass an unannounced inspection. Framed from City of Houston Health Department public guidance. If you cook outside city limits, use this as a model and confirm your MUD or city.

Step 1
FOG / special-waste generator permit
If you operate a food establishment with an interceptor in the City of Houston, you are in the Health Department special-waste program. The FOG permit is typically tied to the food dealer permit and renewed annually. Keep the original on site.
Step 2
90-day full evacuation (Sec. 47-512)
Houston Health Department states that Sec. 47-512(b) requires every interceptor inside the incorporated city limits to be fully evacuated at least every 90 days unless a Notice of Waiver is submitted and approved. “Fully evacuated” means empty — not skimmed.
Step 3
Waiver path toward 180 days
A Notice of Waiver is an application, not a calendar hack. Approval is typically reserved for traps that stay well under the 25% mark, have a clean recent history, and have a permitted transporter willing to certify the longer interval. Even then, a full clean at least every 180 days still applies.
Step 4
25% rule
If floating materials, sediment, oils, or grease reach about 25% of the wetted height, the trap is due — even if 90 days have not passed. Pump now; do not wait for the anniversary.
Step 5
Permitted transporters only
Use a City of Houston–permitted waste transporter. An unpermitted pump-out can leave you without a usable manifest when an investigator walks in.
Step 6
Manifests for five years
Houston guidance: keep generator and returned-generator copies of waste manifests on site for five years. Sign the generator section only after you confirm the trap is empty and the capacity on the ticket is correct. Returned copies are generally expected back within 15 days.
Step 7
What inspectors typically ask to see
Original FOG permit, yellow and white manifest copies for five years, waiver (if any), prior inspection sheets, and — if you use it — invoices from a permitted biological pretreatment company. Inspections can be unannounced.
Step 8
Citation range cited by HHD
Houston Health Department states that non-compliance with Chapter 47 Article XI can lead to a Notice of Violation or citation, with citation fines ranging from $250–$2,000 per violation. Verify the current ordinance and fee schedule — this site does not assess penalties.

Houston Health Department — special waste generators Notice of Waiver application (PDF, city-hosted)

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Not legal advice

This site explains common FOG (fats, oils, and grease) practices for commercial kitchens. It is not legal advice, a permit, or a substitute for your hauler, plumber, or the City of Houston Health Department. Section 47-512 and related Chapter 47 rules can change. Municipal utility districts and cities outside Houston set their own intervals and paperwork. Verify current Houston generator guidance.