Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 20-19
in effectSec. 20-19. - Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc.
(a) All provisions of this article shall be applicable to all food establishments unless specifically limited to food processing establishments or to food service establishments.
(b) No food service establishment or food processing establishment shall be operated within the city unless it conforms with the requirements of this article.
(c) Any person who violates any provision of this article, or rule or regulation promulgated by the health officer, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $2,000.00. Each day a violation of this article continues shall constitute a separate offense.
Provided, however, if a person is convicted of an offense under this article that also constitutes a violation of any other criminal provision of the laws of the State of Texas, the person shall be subject to the criminal penalties set out in the laws of Texas for the offense.
Nothing in this article shall be construed as requiring the health officer to report minor violations of this article for prosecution whenever the health officer believes the public interest will be adequately served in the circumstances by a warning.
(Ord. No. 99-1346, § 1, 12-15-99; Ord. No. 07-1051, § 2(Exh. A), 9-12-07; Ord. No. 2015-1202, §§ 9—11, 12-2-2015; Ord. No. 2025-743, § 2, 8-27-2025)
Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH20FODR_ARTIIFOESGE_DIV1GE_S20-19APARCOPEVIVAETFetched: 10/26/2026