Temporary Food Event


What is a Temporary Food Event (TFE) Permit?
A temporary food establishment is defined as the service of food and/or beverage at a location for no more than fourteen (14) consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. A temporary food establishment includes any booth at a temporary event that stores, prepares, packages, serves, or vends packaged food requiring time and/or temperature control and/or open-container drinks, including ice.           

Do You Need a Temorary Food Event Permit?  

You need a permit if you can answer "Yes" to any of the following: 

  • Is the event open to the general public?
  • Can non-members/non-family attend?
  • Is the event advertised (social media, newspaper, radio, etc.)?
  • Are you serving open food, ice, or open-container drinks (mixed drinks, wine, beer)?
  • Are you holding food hot or refrigerated?
  • Are you providing food samples?
  • Are you preparing/serving food outside a permanently permitted facility? 

What is the cost of a permit?
$30 per day/ per booth

How do I apply for for a Temporary Food Event (TFE) Permit? 

Complete the Application 

  • Download and fill out the Temporary Food Event (TFE) Permit Application. 
  • Handwritten applications are not accepted; use the fillable PDF format.
  • Ensure all fields are completed, as incomplete applications will not be processed. 
  • Email application and required documentation to [email protected] or visit Development Services at 661 Hwy 290, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. 
  • You must submit a completed application and the required documentation at least 10 days prior to your event to allow for processing time. 

Required Documents

  • Include the following with your application:
    Food Handler/Manager Certification: A valid Food Handler Registration Certificate or Food Manager Certification card.
  • Identification: A clear copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. 

Payment

  • Pay in Person: Visit Development Services at 661 Hwy 290, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. You can pay by check (payable to the City of Dripping Springs) or exact cash.
  • Pay by Mail: Send a check payable to the City of Dripping Springs to:
    City Hall, Attn: Health Department
    511 Mercer Street
    Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Important Notes:

  • Fees & Deadline:  Cost for a permit is $30 per day/per booth.  Apply and pay fees at least 10 days before the event to allow for processing time.
  • Approval: Permits are only released after approval.  You will receive an email confirmation when your permit is ready for pickup (they will not be mailed). Permits must be kept on premises in public view during your event.
  • Submission: Email your application and required documents to: [email protected] or visit Development Services at 661 Hwy 290, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
  • Inspection & Guidelines: Review the TFE General Guidelines, TFE Permit Checklist and Sample Event Booth Layout to prepare for your inspection. Non-scheduled, unannounced inspections may be conducted. All violations shall be corrected at the time of the inspection unless an extension is allowed by the health officer.

Temporary Food Event Resources & Fillable PDF Forms:

Temporary Food Event Permit (TFE) application and required fees are to be submitted no less than 10-days before an event.
Handwritten applications are not accepted.