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Public Health Rules in San Antonio, TX (2026)

4 verified public health rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Restaurant Grade Cards

San Antonio requires every food establishment to post its current health permit and the latest city inspection report where customers can see it. The Metropolitan Health District also issues an optional grade placard tied to that inspection score, and a restaurant may never display any placard except its own.

San Antonio Restaurant Inspection Placard Rules

Some Restrictions

San Antonio Code of Ordinances Sec. 13-26

Every person authorized to operate a food establishment in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall post such permit and the latest city health inspection report, or cause them to be posted, in a conspicuous place within the premises where such food establishment is authorized to be established, maintained or operated. A food establishment may also choose to voluntarily display a gr...

Rodent Control

San Antonio's Property Maintenance Code (SAPMC) requires all structures to be maintained free of pest infestations. Property owners must eliminate rodent, insect, and vermin harborage through approved methods. The city's Code Compliance Department enforces pest-related nuisance violations with fines of $100-$2,000.

San Antonio Pest Control and Property Maintenance Standards

Some Restrictions

San Antonio Property Maintenance Code (SAPMC) Section 309 (Pest Elimination), 309.1-309.5; see also 302.5 (Rodent harborage) and 304.14 (Insect screens)

309.1 Infestation. All structures shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation. All structures in which insects or rodents are found shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation. 309.2 Extermination Prior to Occupancy. Where infestation exists, the owner o...

Syringe Disposal

San Antonio relies on Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 728 and Metro Health guidance for sharps disposal. Used syringes must go in puncture-resistant containers, never in household trash or recycling, and Metro Health partners with pharmacies on take-back drop-offs.

San Antonio Syringe Disposal Rules

Some Restrictions

Tex. Health & Safety Code § 481.062

(a) The following persons may possess a controlled substance under this chapter without registering with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration:(1) an agent or employee of a manufacturer, distributor, analyzer, or dispenser of the controlled substance who is registered with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration and acting in the usual course of business or employment;(2) a common or ...

Food Handler Certification

Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 requires every San Antonio food employee to complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days of hire. Metro Health enforces during inspections, and a Certified Food Manager must also be on staff.

San Antonio Food Handler Certification

Light Restrictions

Tex. Health & Safety Code § 438.102

(a) The executive commissioner shall establish a certification program for food managers in accordance with this subchapter.(b) The executive commissioner by rule shall prescribe the requirements for issuance and renewal of a food manager certificate under this subchapter. Added by

Looking for Bexar County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Antonio city rules.

Public Health Rules in Bexar County