What are the grease trap requirements in Austin, TX?

Food service establishments in Austin must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Austin?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 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. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Austin, TX

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Austin?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Austin. Fee: FOG permit/registration required through Austin Water; fees vary by facility size.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Austin, Texas. Serving 3,440 food service establishments.

Every 90 days minimum

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

UPC (Austin has historically used UPC with local amendments; Texas state code is IPC but Austin maintains UPC-based local requirements)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease and solids exceed 25% of wetted capacity

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee FOG permit/registration required through Austin Water; fees vary by facility size

Max Fine $2,000 per violation per day under Austin City Code; additional penalties for causing SSOs

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	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; more frequently if grease and solids exceed 25% of wetted capacity
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	FOG permit/registration required through Austin Water; fees vary by facility size
Maximum Fine	$2,000 per violation per day under Austin City Code; additional penalties for causing SSOs
Inspections	Austin Water Industrial Waste & Water Protection Division conducts inspections; annually for FSEs with compliance issues; routine inspections on risk-based schedule
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	UPC (Austin has historically used UPC with local amendments; Texas state code is IPC but Austin maintains UPC-based local requirements)
Ordinance Ref.	Austin City Code Chapter 15-10 (Wastewater); Austin Water Grease Trap Sizing Criteria; Design Criteria for Grease Interceptors
Authority	Austin Water Utility, Industrial Waste & Water Protection Division

Additional Notes

Austin Water publishes specific Grease Trap Sizing Criteria and Design Criteria for Grease Interceptors documents. The city differentiates between grease traps (under 100 gallons, for under-sink use) and grease interceptors (750+ gallons, external). Austin uses UPC-based local plumbing code despite Texas state adoption of IPC. The city has an active enforcement program with contact at 512-972-1060. Austin also regulates grease hauler operations and requires approved disposal at authorized facilities.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.

Contact Information

Phone 512-972-1060

Industrial Waste & Water Protection: 512-972-1060

Official Sources

Size Your Grease Trap for Austin

Our free calculator uses UPC (Austin has historically used UPC with local amendments; Texas state code is IPC but Austin maintains UPC-based local requirements) code requirements to recommend the right size.

Open Calculator