Houston vs Mesa
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Houston, TX and Mesa, AZ.
| Requirement | Houston, TX | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Per Mesa Ordinance 3434 and Industrial User Permit specifications |
| Pumping Frequency | Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full | Every 90 days or when FOG/solids reach 25% capacity, whichever is first |
| 25% Rule | Yes | Yes |
| Permit Required | Required | Required |
| Permit Fee | Grease trap permit/registration required; fees approximately $100-$250 depending on establishment size | Industrial User Permit required; contact City of Mesa for fee |
| Max Fine | $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day | Administrative penalties per Mesa City Code; escalating enforcement |
| Inspections | Houston Health Department and Public Works conduct inspections; typically annually or upon complaint | Routine and unannounced inspections by city officials |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | Houston Public Works and Engineering Department; Houston Health Department (grease transporter licensing) | City of Mesa Industrial Pretreatment Program |
| Establishments | 10,038 | 8,992 |
Key Differences
As cities in different states, Houston (TX) and Mesa (AZ) operate under distinct regulatory frameworks. Here are the most important differences restaurant operators should know:
- Houston follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Mesa 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 Mesa requires "Every 90 days or when FOG/solids reach 25% capacity, whichever is first".
- 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 Administrative penalties per Mesa City Code; escalating enforcement in Mesa.
What This Means for Restaurant Operators
If you operate food service establishments in either city, 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 Mesa?
Houston follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while Mesa 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 Mesa requires "Every 90 days or when FOG/solids reach 25% capacity, whichever is first".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Houston or Mesa?
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. Mesa fines: Administrative penalties per Mesa City Code; escalating enforcement. Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Houston and Mesa?
Houston: Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full. Mesa: Every 90 days or when FOG/solids reach 25% capacity, whichever is first.
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