Fort Worth vs Austin
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Fort Worth, TX and Austin, TX.
| Requirement | Fort Worth, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (Texas adopted IPC with local amendments) | UPC (Austin has historically used UPC with local amendments; Texas state code is IPC but Austin maintains UPC-based local requirements) |
| Min. Trap Size | 1,000 gallons minimum for exterior grease interceptors; hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs) must be minimum 50 GPM rated per UPC/manufacturer specs | Grease interceptors less than 100 gallons classified as grease traps (under-sink); gravity interceptors for FSEs sized per Austin Water Utility Design Criteria, minimum 750 gallons for full-service restaurants; sizing based on fixture count and flow rate |
| Pumping Frequency | At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of wetted depth | Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease and solids exceed 25% of wetted capacity |
| 25% Rule | Yes | Yes |
| Permit Required | Required | Required |
| Permit Fee | Included with Industrial Waste Discharge permit; no separate FOG fee typically published | FOG permit/registration required through Austin Water; fees vary by facility size |
| Max Fine | $2,000 per violation per day (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations | $2,000 per violation per day under Austin City Code; additional penalties for causing SSOs |
| Inspections | At least annually; high-risk facilities may be inspected quarterly | Austin Water Industrial Waste & Water Protection Division conducts inspections; annually for FSEs with compliance issues; routine inspections on risk-based schedule |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | Fort Worth Water Department, Environmental Division / Pretreatment Section | Austin Water Utility, Industrial Waste & Water Protection Division |
| Establishments | 4,506 | 3,440 |
Key Differences
Even though both cities are in Texas, their FOG compliance requirements can differ significantly at the municipal level. Here are the most important differences restaurant operators should know:
- Fort Worth follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Austin uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards.
- Pumping schedules differ: Fort Worth requires "At minimum every 90 days", whereas Austin requires "Every 90 days minimum".
- Both cities enforce the 25% rule, requiring grease traps to be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's capacity.
- Fines differ: Fort Worth penalties can reach $2,000 per violation per day (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations, compared to $2,000 per violation per day under Austin City Code; additional penalties for causing SSOs in Austin.
What This Means for Restaurant Operators
If you operate food service establishments in both cities, understanding these regulatory differences is critical for compliance. Permit requirements vary, so check with each city's wastewater authority before opening a new location. Different plumbing codes (IPC (Texas adopted IPC with local amendments) vs UPC (Austin has historically used UPC with local amendments; Texas state code is IPC but Austin maintains UPC-based local requirements)) mean trap sizing calculations may produce different results for the same kitchen setup. Always verify current requirements directly with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do grease trap requirements compare between Fort Worth and Austin?
Fort Worth follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Austin uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards. Pumping schedules differ: Fort Worth requires "At minimum every 90 days", whereas Austin requires "Every 90 days minimum".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Fort Worth or Austin?
Enforcement varies: both cities have similar permit requirements. Fort Worth fines: $2,000 per violation per day (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations. Austin fines: $2,000 per violation per day under Austin City Code; additional penalties for causing SSOs. Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Fort Worth and Austin?
Fort Worth: At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of wetted depth. Austin: Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease and solids exceed 25% of wetted capacity.
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.
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