Food Establishment Health Permit & Plan Review — City of Arlington

What it is. The health permit required to operate a food establishment in Arlington, issued by the City of Arlington Health Division under the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) and the City Health and Sanitation Ordinance (Article IV). All new or remodeled establishments must submit plans for review against building and health codes, and a Certificate of Occupancy must be approved and issued before you can apply for the health permit. Every establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFM) on duty during all operating hours.

Who issues it. City of Arlington — Planning & Development Services, Health Division (City layer). Establishments are inspected at least annually; since 2023 the City issues a letter grade (A/B/C/F) with the inspection report.

When you need it. Submit plans before construction/remodel; obtain the CofO; then apply for the health permit; pass inspection before opening.

How to apply. Submit plans for review; complete construction and obtain the CofO; apply for the health permit; pass inspection.

Fees. Per the Arlington Health Services fee schedule — see source (⟢ VERIFY).

Renewal. Annual.

What SpoonSeal tracks. The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.

References

• City of Arlington — Retail & Temporary Food Inspection Program — https://www.arlingtontx.gov/Business/Health-Services/Health-Services/Retail-Temporary-Food-Inspection-Program — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02