When do I need a retail food permit/license?
If you are selling or giving away food (includes beverages) that needs time/temperature control for food safety or you conduct open food handling, then you must obtain a food establishment license.
Point of Sale (POS)/Distribution
EX: food storage or preparation in a permanent building or space (includes online business), operating a food booth at an event, food storage or preparation on a truck/trailer/pushcart
See Food Permits for more information.
How do I apply for a retail food license?
For more information and type of permits, visit
Food Permits.
What is considered a "New Owner"?
A person or company has purchased a food establishment and is keeping everything the same.
Ex: Mr. Smith buys "Burger Restaurant" from Mr. Jones. Everything is staying the same including the food, the building, menu, etc.
THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT THERE WILL BE A NEW OWNER. This is also called a CHOW or CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP.
For more information, visit Restaurant Operating Guide.
What is considered a "New Establishment"?
This is a brand new restaurant or food establishment. There can be different circumstances for this option.
Example 1: Burger Restaurant corporation is building a new Burger Restaurant in Williamson County.
Example 2: Burger Restaurant has taken over a vacant or new building to set up a new Burger Restaurant in Williamson County.
Example 3: Mrs. Michaels bought a Chicken Restaurant from Mrs. Jeffery and is turning it into a Chinese Restaurant.
For more information, visit Restaurant Operating Guide.
What is considered a restaurant "remodel"?
Any food establishment is making changes to its establishment that typically requires city permits to be pulled.
Example: Seafood Restaurant is knocking down a wall in their dining room and building a new drive-thru station.
For more information, visit Restaurant Operating Guide.
What is an "Amended Permit"?
This is when a food establishment is making a change to the wording on their actual permit.
Example 1: Bread Bakery wants to change their name to Bread Bake Shop. THERE IS NO OWNERSHIP CHANGE, ONLY A NAME CHANGE.
Example 2: Mr. Brown and Ms. Kelly own a Coffee Shop. Mr. Brown is no longer part of the ownership, but Ms. Kelly will be the main owner. THIS IS NOT A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, ONLY TAKING SOMEONE'S NAME OFF THE PERMIT AND KEEPING THE OTHER ORIGINAL OWNER ON THE PERMIT. The amendment would be for the permit to now only show Ms. Kelly as the owner.
For more information, visit Restaurant Operating Guide.
How to make a payment for a permit
Cash/Money Order - Deliver to C Drop Box at 355 Texas Ave, Round Rock, Tx 78664
Credit Card - Payments are made through www.mygovernmentonline.org once invoice is issued through system
Check - Checks are made payable to Williamson County and Cities Health District, 355 Texas Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664 - Deposit payment in C Drop Box at 355 Texas Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664
How Can I get an inspection for my mobile food truck/trailer in Williamson County?
Call our office at 512-248-7620 or email EH@Wilco.org to schedule an inspection. Inspectors are
available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 AM or 1 to 3 PM.
What do I need to bring besides my food truck/trailer for my inspection?
o Completed mobile application
o Copy of valid fire inspection (Except City of Cedar Park – this is issued AFTER our inspection at WCCHD)
o Food manager certificate
o A signed contract/mobile application from your central prep facility, which must include activities
allowed at CPF such as storing food, dumping wastewater, etc. If these will take place at different
facilities, please provide signed agreements.
o If using a central prep facility outside of Williamson County, you must provide a copy of the valid food
permit for that establishment as well as the latest health inspection (see application for further
information)
o Fee of $250 via cash, check, money order or credit card
Does WCCHD have an onsite power source to provide electricity for my trailer’s inspection?
o No. Your food truck/trailer must be self-sufficient, therefor you would need to bring a generator if
necessary to power your mobile food truck/trailer
What will the inspectors be checking for during my inspection?
o Unit must be turned on and electricity running (lights, equipment, etc.)
o Plumbing: Hot water must be working and no plumbing leaks
o Equipment: All coolers must be running at a maximum of 41F before inspection can take place and all hot hold
equipment such as warmer boxes turned on and running at a minimum of 135F before inspection can take place
o All equipment must have internal thermometers (not just digital on outside of the equipment)
o All hand sinks must have soap and paper towels
o Gloves, food thermometers and sanitizer test strips must be available for the inspection
o Unit must be thoroughly cleaned prior to inspection – no dust, debris, food residue/buildup, grease, etc.
present on/in equipment
o Lights inside of unit must be shatter resistant
o All surfaces must be smooth, easily cleanable, non-absorbent and light in color
How early should I arrive for my appointment?
o Please arrive early enough for your mobile unit to be powered on to ensure all cooling/heating
equipment reaches the proper temperatures listed above PRIOR to your inspection appointment time.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
o Call us at 512-248-7620 as soon as possible and we can reschedule your appointment.
