City of Pearland, TX
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STAFF:
Darlene Estrada
Health Services Supervisor
281.652.1640
Nick Bueche
Health Officer
281.652.1764
Luis Rodriguez
Health Officer
281.652.1758
Health Services
We partner with restaurants, food trucks, and other food businesses to make sure they follow health rules that protect the public. Our team believes in teaching and guiding first. We help businesses understand what they need to do to serve food safely, and we answer questions so they can stay in compliance. If you are opening a new food business, renewing a permit, or just need help understanding health rules, we are here to support you.
What Health Officers Do:
- Inspect restaurants and other establishments that sell and prepare food.
- Review plans for new food businesses and temporary food vendors.
- Help businesses understand local health regulations.
Together, we help everyone in Pearland enjoy safe and healthy food.
Attention Food Service Providers
In compliance with Senate Bill 1008, the City of Pearland Health Services Program will be updating all local food safety regulations to align with current state and federal standards.
The City of Pearland will implement the risk-based fee model established by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
What is Changing?
Regulation Alignment: Local food safety regulations will be updated to reflect the latest state and federal standards.
Fee Structure: Permit Fees will be revised to align with the states risk-based fee model.
Permit Categories: Local permit categories not recognized by DSHS will be removed.
Effective September 1, 2026
Fees for Health Permits and additional fees for Food-Related Establishments.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Low Risk | $250.00 |
| Medium Risk | $500.00 |
| High Risk | $750.00 |
High Risk- Food establishments that handle raw ingredients, perform complex food preparation including cooking, cooling, and reheating for hot holding, serve highly susceptible populations, or conduct specialized processes such as smoking, curing, or reduced oxygen packaging for extended shelf life.
Medium Risk- Food establishments that provide quick food service, to-go, or fast-food operations where products are prepared, cooked, and served immediately, and raw meats are not handled.
Low Risk- Food establishments that serve or sell only pre-packaged time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods and heat only commercially processed TCS foods for hot holding.
Additional Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Processing Fee | $30.00 |
| General Inspection Fee | $150.00 |
| Temporary Food Establishment Fee | $50.00 |
| Re-inspection Fee for Failing Initial Inspection | 50% of permit fee |
How to Apply for a Health Permit in Cityworks:
Upcoming Changes to Mobile Food Vendor Regulations:
Effective July 1, 2026, important changes will take effect under Texas House Bill 2844, which establishes a statewide licensing system for mobile food vendors administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This new law standardizes regulation across Texas and replaces local permitting systems.
Beginning on this date, mobile food vendors will be required to obtain a state-issued license, and the City of Pearland will no longer issue local mobile food vendor permits. While licensing will transition to the state, the city will continue to enforce local requirements related to zoning, approved operating locations, and other applicable ordinances.
Vendors should prepare by monitoring DSHS guidance and applying for the required state license ahead of the July 1,2026 implementation date. For full details visit our Mobile Food Vendors page.