Houston vs Fort Worth
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Houston, TX and Fort Worth, TX.
| Requirement | Houston, TX | Fort Worth, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally) | IPC (Texas adopted IPC with local amendments) |
| 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 | 1,000 gallons minimum for exterior grease interceptors; hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs) must be minimum 50 GPM rated per UPC/manufacturer specs |
| Pumping Frequency | Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full | At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of wetted depth |
| 25% Rule | Yes | Yes |
| Permit Required | Required | Required |
| Permit Fee | Grease trap permit/registration required; fees approximately $100-$250 depending on establishment size | Included with Industrial Waste Discharge permit; no separate FOG fee typically published |
| 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 (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations |
| Inspections | Houston Health Department and Public Works conduct inspections; typically annually or upon complaint | At least annually; high-risk facilities may be inspected quarterly |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | Houston Public Works and Engineering Department; Houston Health Department (grease transporter licensing) | Fort Worth Water Department, Environmental Division / Pretreatment Section |
| 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth requires "At minimum every 90 days".
- 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 (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations in Fort Worth.
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 (Texas adopted IPC with local amendments)) 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 Fort Worth?
Houston follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth requires "At minimum every 90 days".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Houston or Fort Worth?
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. Fort Worth fines: $2,000 per violation per day (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations. Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Houston and Fort Worth?
Houston: Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full. Fort Worth: At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of wetted depth.
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