New York vs Fort Worth
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between New York, NY and Fort Worth, TX.
| Requirement | New York, NY | Fort Worth, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (NYC Plumbing Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments) | IPC (Texas adopted IPC with local amendments) |
| Min. Trap Size | Determined by fixture count and flow rate per NYC Plumbing Code Section 1003.3; gravity interceptors sized per ASME A112.14.3 (typically 750-2000 gallons for FSEs); under-sink traps (hydromechanical) rated at minimum 20 GPM for smaller operations | 1,000 gallons minimum for exterior grease interceptors; hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs) must be minimum 50 GPM rated per UPC/manufacturer specs |
| Pumping Frequency | As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG; NYC DEP recommends at minimum every 90 days; must be pumped before grease and solids accumulation exceeds 25% of wetted depth | 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 | No separate FOG permit fee; covered under sewer connection/discharge permits. DEP may require a Wastewater Discharge Permit for significant facilities | Included with Industrial Waste Discharge permit; no separate FOG fee typically published |
| Max Fine | $25,000 per day per violation under NYC Administrative Code Title 24; additional civil penalties possible | $2,000 per violation per day (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations |
| Inspections | DEP conducts inspections as needed, typically annually for FSEs with compliance issues; self-monitoring required | At least annually; high-risk facilities may be inspected quarterly |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) | Fort Worth Water Department, Environmental Division / Pretreatment Section |
| Establishments | 24,639 | 4,506 |
Key Differences
As cities in different states, New York (NY) and Fort Worth (TX) operate under distinct regulatory frameworks. Here are the most important differences restaurant operators should know:
- New York 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: New York requires "As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG", 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: New York penalties can reach $25,000 per day per violation under NYC Administrative Code Title 24; additional civil penalties possible, 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 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 (NYC Plumbing Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments) 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 New York and Fort Worth?
New York 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: New York requires "As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG", whereas Fort Worth requires "At minimum every 90 days".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, New York or Fort Worth?
Enforcement varies: both cities have similar permit requirements. New York fines: $25,000 per day per violation under NYC Administrative Code Title 24; additional civil penalties possible. 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 New York and Fort Worth?
New York: As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG; NYC DEP recommends at minimum every 90 days; must be pumped befor. 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.
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