PILLAR: Livable
AGENDA DATE: December 10, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Department of Code Compliance
PRIORITY: N/A
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 17, “Food Establishments,” of the Dallas City Code to align local provisions with Senate Bill 1008 and the Texas Food Establishment Rules (25 TAC Chapter 228), as administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services, to ensure statewide consistency in permitting, fees, and inspection authority - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
Senate Bill 1008, enacted by the 89th Legislature, establishes uniform statewide standards for the regulation of food establishments. The bill limits local authority to only those permits, fees, and inspection requirements authorized under state law and the Texas Food Establishment Rules, administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
To maintain compliance, the Department of Code Compliance Services is seeking to amend Chapter 17 of the Dallas City Code to:
• Adopt the 2021 Texas Food Establishment Rules and the 2017 Food and Drug Administration Food Code (with Supplement) by reference.
• Remove local provisions more stringent than state law; and
• Align the City’s Retail Food Permit Fee Schedule with the DSHS fee schedule, within the statutory 120 percent cap.
The proposed amendments are revenue-neutral and preserve the City’s ability to enforce food-safety standards consistent with DSHS oversight.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Quality of Life, Arts & Culture Committee was briefed on the “Aligning Dallas City Code Chapter 17 with Senate Bill 1008 and the Texas Food Establishment Rules” on November 17, 2025.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.