What are the grease trap requirements in Houston, TX?

Food service establishments in Houston 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 Houston?

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

Grease Trap Requirements
Houston, TX

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

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Houston. Fee: Grease trap permit/registration required; fees approximately $100-$250 depending on establishment size.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Houston, Texas. Serving 10,038 food service establishments.

Every 90 days minimum or when

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Grease trap permit/registration required; fees approximately $100-$250 depending on establishment size

Max Fine $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum 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
Pumping Frequency	Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Grease trap permit/registration required; fees approximately $100-$250 depending on establishment size
Maximum Fine	$2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day
Inspections	Houston Health Department and Public Works conduct inspections; typically annually or upon complaint
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally)
Ordinance Ref.	Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47 (Sewers, Sewage Disposal and Drains); Houston Plumbing Code; Pretreatment Ordinance
Authority	Houston Public Works and Engineering Department; Houston Health Department (grease transporter licensing)

Additional Notes

Houston requires all FSEs to have properly sized grease interceptors. The city licenses grease haulers/transporters separately. Manifest system required for grease disposal tracking. Houston has a strong FOG enforcement program due to historical SSO consent decree issues. All grease trap waste must be disposed at approved facilities.

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