Pearland, TX Public Health Rules: Restaurant Grade Cards (2026)

Under Chapter 11, Article II of the Code of Ordinances, a city code enforcement/health officer must inspect every food establishment in Pearland at least every 12 months, with additional risk-based inspections triggered by a request from the establishment or by a complaint (§ 11-21(1)). Officers may enter any food establishment at a reasonable time after identifying themselves, and may examine records on food and supplies purchased, received, or used, and on persons employed (§ 11-21(2)).

Each inspection produces a written report carrying a numerical score and a corresponding letter grade. The person in charge is responsible for posting the establishment's most recent letter grade on an inside wall or window near the main public entrance, in a spot customers can readily see, and the full inspection report must also be posted in a conspicuous location (§ 11-21(3)). Only the code enforcement/health officer may remove or alter that posted report or grade.

An establishment that scores 75 or below must pay a reinspection fee and receive a follow-up inspection within 10 business days; a second score of 75 or below, or a failure to pay the reinspection fee, triggers an order to immediately cease all food service operations (§ 11-21(5)). An establishment may also proactively request a reinspection for a fee, receiving a follow-up inspection within 10 business days, but only once every 12 months per establishment (§ 11-21(4)). A first-time inspection at a new permanent location must be passed by the code enforcement/health officer, the building official, and the fire marshal before any permit issues, and a change of ownership, a change in the type of establishment, or a significant remodel triggers a fresh inspection (§ 11-21(6)).