Fort Worth vs San Antonio
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Fort Worth, TX and San Antonio, TX.
| Requirement | Fort Worth, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (Texas adopted IPC with local amendments) | IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide) |
| 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 | Minimum 750 gallons for gravity grease interceptors for FSEs; sizing per SAWS requirements and Texas Plumbing Code; smaller hydromechanical interceptors (20-50 GPM) allowed for limited food prep |
| Pumping Frequency | At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of wetted depth | Every 90 days minimum; SAWS Grease Trap Procedure Manual specifies cleaning must occur before grease and solids exceed 25% of trap 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 through SAWS; fees approximately $75-$200 annually |
| 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 City of San Antonio ordinance; SAWS can also assess surcharges for non-compliance |
| Inspections | At least annually; high-risk facilities may be inspected quarterly | SAWS conducts routine inspections; typically annually for FSEs; increased frequency for repeat violators |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | Fort Worth Water Department, Environmental Division / Pretreatment Section | San Antonio Water System (SAWS) |
| Establishments | 4,506 | 4,282 |
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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 City of San Antonio ordinance; SAWS can also assess surcharges for non-compliance in San Antonio.
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 IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide)) 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 San Antonio?
Fort Worth follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while San Antonio 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 San Antonio requires "Every 90 days minimum".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Fort Worth or San Antonio?
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. San Antonio fines: $2,000 per violation per day under City of San Antonio ordinance; SAWS can also assess surcharges for non-compliance. Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Fort Worth and San Antonio?
Fort Worth: At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of wetted depth. San Antonio: Every 90 days minimum; SAWS Grease Trap Procedure Manual specifies cleaning must occur before grease and solids exceed 2.
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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