Houston vs Arlington
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Houston, TX and Arlington, TX.
| Requirement | Houston, TX | Arlington, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally) | IPC |
| Min. Trap Size | Minimum 750 gallons for gravity grease interceptors for food service establishments; sizing based on fixture count and flow rate per Houston Plumbing Code; hydromechanical interceptors minimum 20 GPM | Based on total potential flow from all food prep/handling/serving fixtures per city sizing spreadsheet |
| Pumping Frequency | Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full | Per TCEQ model standards; minimum every 90 days or per 25% rule |
| 25% Rule | Yes | Yes |
| Permit Required | Required | Required |
| Permit Fee | Grease trap permit/registration required; fees approximately $100-$250 depending on establishment size | Contact Water Resource Services at 817-459-5902 |
| Max Fine | $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day | Up to $2,000 per violation per day under Texas Local Government Code |
| Inspections | Houston Health Department and Public Works conduct inspections; typically annually or upon complaint | Periodic inspections by Water Resource Services |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | Houston Public Works and Engineering Department; Houston Health Department (grease transporter licensing) | City of Arlington Water Resource Services |
| Establishments | 10,038 | 4,506 |
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:
- Houston follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Arlington uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards.
- Pumping schedules differ: Houston requires "Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full", whereas Arlington requires "Per TCEQ model standards".
- 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: Houston penalties can reach $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day, compared to Up to $2,000 per violation per day under Texas Local Government Code in Arlington.
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 adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally) vs IPC) 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 Houston and Arlington?
Houston follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Arlington uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards. Pumping schedules differ: Houston requires "Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full", whereas Arlington requires "Per TCEQ model standards".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Houston or Arlington?
Enforcement varies: both cities have similar permit requirements. Houston fines: $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day. Arlington fines: Up to $2,000 per violation per day under Texas Local Government Code. Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Houston and Arlington?
Houston: Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full. Arlington: Per TCEQ model standards; minimum every 90 days or per 25% rule.
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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