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Houston grease trap Notice of Waiver: going from 90 to 180 days

By Stew David, GreaseTrapRules · Updated Nov 3, 2026 · Every rule below links to its official source. Rules change; verify with the city.

Short answer: Houston requires a full grease trap pump-out at least every 90 days unless you get an approved Notice of Waiver (City Code §47-512(b)). The Houston Health Department waiver form allows a minimum 180-day cleaning frequency. You need 12 months of compliant operation and a 90-day pump-out history first, and you must apply by mail.

Who can get it

From the Houston Health Department Notice of Waiver Application (form Rev06152021):

  • In operation and in compliance for a full 12 months, with a 90-day pump-out history
  • No overflow of the interceptor or holding tank in the past 12 months (question 1)
  • No verbal warning, notice of violation or citation about the interceptor from any government entity in the past 12 months (question 2)
  • Trap capacity consistent with the plumbing code the city has adopted (question 3)
  • Your permitted transporter certifies the slower schedule still meets discharge limits, or keeps the trap under 25% of wetted height on a sludge judge (Sec. 47-512(e)(2))

One application per Special Waste number. The waiver is only valid for that ownership and Special Waste number, so a new owner starts over.

How to apply

  1. Fill in every section of the application form (PDF). The form says incomplete applications are not reviewed.
  2. Have the owner sign the generator certification (questions 1–3) and your pumper sign the transporter certification (questions 4–5, with its City of Houston permit number).
  3. Attach your 4 most recent waste manifests and an Affidavit of Holding Capacity.
  4. Mail it to City of Houston FOG Program, 7427 Park Place, Houston, TX 77087. The form says emailed or faxed applications are not accepted. Questions: 832-393-5740.
  5. Keep pumping every 90 days until you hear back.

What a waiver does not change

  • The trap must still be fully evacuated, cleaned, inspected and repaired if needed at least every 180 days, with waste disposed of legally (waiver form).
  • Violations of Chapter 47 Article XI (Sec. 47-411 to 47-600) lead to the waiver being denied or cancelled (waiver form).
  • Manifest rules still apply. The Special Waste Generators page says to check the trap is clean and empty before you sign, make sure the correct trap capacity is on the manifest, keep the generator copy, return it within 15 days of pump-out, and keep manifests on site for five years.
  • Inspectors may ask to see the Notice of Waiver along with your permit, 5 years of manifests and previous inspections (same page). Inspections are unannounced.

Make the 90-day history easy to prove

Common questions

Can a Houston restaurant pump its grease trap less than every 90 days?

Only with an approved Notice of Waiver. City Code 47-512(b) requires a full evacuation at least every 90 days unless a Notice of Waiver is submitted and approved. The Houston Health Department waiver form is titled 'for reduction to minimum 180-day interceptor cleaning frequency', so even with a waiver the trap must still be fully evacuated at least every 180 days.

Who qualifies for a Houston grease trap waiver?

Per the Houston Health Department form, you must be in operation and in compliance for a full 12 months with a 90-day pump-out history. The form also asks whether the trap overflowed or you got a warning, notice of violation or citation in the past 12 months, and whether the trap capacity meets the plumbing code. Your permitted transporter must certify the reduced frequency keeps the discharge within limits or under 25% of wetted height.

How do I apply for the waiver?

Mail the completed Notice of Waiver Application with your 4 most recent waste manifests and an Affidavit of Holding Capacity to City of Houston FOG Program, 7427 Park Place, Houston, TX 77087. The form says emailed or faxed applications are not accepted.

Does the waiver carry over if I sell the restaurant?

No. The form says an approved waiver is only valid for that ownership and Special Waste number.

Sources

This guide explains the city's published form and page; it is not legal advice. Approval is up to the Houston Health Department.