Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the City of Midland Health Department is the local health entity for both the city and county. If you do not get a permit to sell food, a fine will be issued along with the confiscation of all food items.

If you believe you have become ill from eating at a restaurant or other food establishment, contact your local health department. The health department is an important part of the food safety system, call (432) 681-7613 or report online at environmentalservices@midlandtexas.gov.

First you must have access to a location that is zoned for that activity. Then, you must complete the City of Midland Certificate of Occupancy requirements. To complete this requirement, go to the City of Midland Development Service Department Code Administration Division at 300 N. Loraine Street Midland, TX 79702 and ask the clerks for assistance. Second, get in contact with the Fire Marshall Office to set up an inspection(fire) of your food establishment. Once you are a month away from opening you must apply for a Food Establishment Permit from the City of Midland Health Department. The application and fee must be submitted before any pre-inspections can be conducted. If you need more information on how to open a food establishment call the City of Midland Health Department at (432) 681-7613 or email at environmentalservices@midlandtexas.gov.

A PHF is a food that requires time and temperature control for safety (TCS) to limit pathogen growth or toxin production. Thus, preparing them at home would be a direct violation of State law, City health codes, and City zoning codes.

A cottage food producer may not sell to customers potentially hazardous foods (PHF). A cottage food production operation is exempt from the requirements of a food service establishment and does not have to comply with the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Health departments do not have regulatory authority to conduct inspections of a cottage food production operation. However, the Department of State Health Services, or local health authority, has the authority to act to prevent an immediate and serious threat to human life or health through emergency orders, recall orders, and delegation of powers or duties. Health departments are required to maintain records of all complaints against a cottage food production operation. For more information on Texas Cottage Food Production, click here.

You are required to obtain a health permit for the Mobile Food Vending Unit. The requirements for Mobile Food Vending Units are available as a handout in our offices or online. The mobile unit must be inspected, and pass inspection conducted by the Fire Marshal. The fire marshal’s checklist for mobile food vendors is available here. Please contact the Fire Marshal’s office for more information or to schedule an inspection. The health inspections for mobile units are conducted at the City of Midland Health Department and are appointment-based. The City of Midland Health Department is located at 3303 W Illinois Ave. Sp 22. To set up an inspection please call (432) 681-7613, or email environmentalservices@midlandtexas.gov. All the requirements on the checklist must be met, if they are not it will result in a failed health inspection and the mobile unit will not be granted a permit. The completed application and corresponding fee must be turned in to the Environmental Section of the health department at the time of inspection. A vendor permit is only required if you are vending within city limits. The vendor’s permit can be acquired through developmental services. For more information on the vendor permit please contact the City of Midland Code/Development department at (432) 685-7407. If you are providing seated dining options for your customers you must do so on commercial property, with a notarized letter of permission from the property owner that also gives you access to restrooms on the property.

🔗Mobile Food Vending Unit Checklist with Facilities to Prepare Food

🔗Mobile Unit Inspections

🔗Midland Health Department Environmental Health Permit Application

Permits are required for anyone preparing or selling food to the public. A temporary event permit is required for anyone who intends to sell at fairs, festivals, carnivals, and any other type of pop-up events. All cooking and food preparation must be done on-site at the event. The application and corresponding fee must be turned in to the Environmental Section of the health department NO LATER THAN 72 HOURS BEFORE THE EVENT. Permits are valid for up to 14 days at the same location. If you need more information on temporary events call the City of Midland Health Department at (432) 681-7613 or email at environmentalservices@midlandtexas.gov.

Yes, you will need to apply for a septic permit through the City of Midland Health Department. The City of Midland Health Department is the local health entity for both the city and county. An application is required for all septic system installations or modifications to an existing septic system. For more questions, Contact the City of Midland Health Department at 432-681-7613 or at environmentalservices@midlandtexas.gov.

No, the City of Midland is not licensed to test for any type of mold.