Houston vs Austin
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Houston, TX and Austin, TX.
| Requirement | Houston, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally) | UPC (Austin has historically used UPC with local amendments; Texas state code is IPC but Austin maintains UPC-based local requirements) |
| 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 | 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 | Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full | 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 | Grease trap permit/registration required; fees approximately $100-$250 depending on establishment size | FOG permit/registration required through Austin Water; fees vary by facility size |
| Max Fine | $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day | $2,000 per violation per day under Austin City Code; additional penalties for causing SSOs |
| Inspections | Houston Health Department and Public Works conduct inspections; typically annually or upon complaint | 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 | Houston Public Works and Engineering Department; Houston Health Department (grease transporter licensing) | Austin Water Utility, Industrial Waste & Water Protection Division |
| Establishments | 10,038 | 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:
- Houston 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: Houston requires "Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full", 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: 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 $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 adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally) 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 Houston and Austin?
Houston 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: Houston requires "Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full", whereas Austin requires "Every 90 days minimum".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Houston or Austin?
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. 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 Houston and Austin?
Houston: Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full. 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.
Operating in Both Cities?
Use our sizing calculator to find the right grease trap for each location.
Open Calculator