What are the grease trap requirements in Fort Worth, TX?

Food service establishments in Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 1,000 gallons minimum for exterior grease interceptors; hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs) must be minimum 50 GPM rated per UPC/manufacturer specs. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Fort Worth, TX

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Fort Worth?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Fort Worth. Fee: Included with Industrial Waste Discharge permit; no separate FOG fee typically published.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Fort Worth, Texas. Serving 4,506 food service establishments.

At minimum every 90 days

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Texas adopted IPC with local amendments)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of wetted depth

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Included with Industrial Waste Discharge permit; no separate FOG fee typically published

Max Fine $2,000 per violation per day (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	1,000 gallons minimum for exterior grease interceptors; hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs) must be minimum 50 GPM rated per UPC/manufacturer specs
Pumping Frequency	At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of wetted depth
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Included with Industrial Waste Discharge permit; no separate FOG fee typically published
Maximum Fine	$2,000 per violation per day (Class C misdemeanor under city code); up to $10,000/day for industrial pretreatment violations
Inspections	At least annually; high-risk facilities may be inspected quarterly
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Texas adopted IPC with local amendments)
Ordinance Ref.	Fort Worth City Code Chapter 33 (Water and Sewer), Article VI - Fats, Oils and Grease Control; also Fort Worth Water Department FOG Program requirements
Authority	Fort Worth Water Department, Environmental Division / Pretreatment Section

Additional Notes

Fort Worth requires all FSEs to install and maintain grease interceptors. Best Management Practices (BMPs) documentation required. The city requires use of licensed grease haulers and manifests. Automatic grease removal devices (AGRDs) may be allowed with city approval. Yellow grease must be stored separately from brown grease.

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