Business License
Business License
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-19
An Ordinance Regulating Business Establishments, Including Food Service, Retail Food Stores, Temporary Food Establishments, Mobile Food Units, and Roadside Vendors.
Section 1. Adoption of Food Establishment Rules
The City of Mercedes, Hidalgo County, Texas adopts the provisions of 25 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 229, Sections 161-171, and 173-174 regarding the regulation of food establishments.
Definitions
- “Authorized Agent or Employee” refers to employees of the regulatory authority.
- “Business Establishment” includes food service establishments, retail food stores, temporary food establishments, mobile food units, and roadside food vendors.
- “Municipality of Mercedes” refers to the City of Mercedes, Hidalgo County, Texas.
- “State Rules” refer to the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER), as outlined in 25 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 229, Sections 161-171, and 173-175.
- “Regulatory Authority” refers to the Health Department of the City of Mercedes.
Permits and Exemptions
A permit is required to operate a business establishment. Permits are non-transferable except as specified in this ordinance. Non-profit organizations are exempt from permit requirements but must comply with state rules. The Regulatory Authority may require documentation to verify non-profit status.
Permit Applications and Fees
Applicants must submit a completed permit application with the applicable fee. Incomplete or false applications will be denied or revoked. Permits must be renewed annually with the same documentation. An inspection will be conducted before initial or renewal permit approval. The following fees apply:
- Health Inspection: $50 (initial & annual)
- Fire Inspection: $30 (initial & annual)
- Facility Inspection: $30 (initial & annual)
- Business License: $50 (initial), $80-$100 (annual renewal)
- Vendor Permit: $30 (initial & annual)
Plan Review
Plans for new or remodeled business establishments must be submitted for review prior to construction or remodeling. Plans must comply with ordinance requirements. Failure to follow approved plans may result in permit denial or revocation.
Suspension of Permit
The Regulatory Authority may suspend a permit without warning if a business presents an imminent public health hazard. The permit holder has the right to a hearing within 20 days. Failure to request a hearing will result in the suspension being sustained.
Revocation of Permit
Permits may be revoked for serious or repeated violations or interference with the Regulatory Authority. The permit holder will be notified and given 10 days to request a hearing. If no request is made, the revocation is final.
Administrative Process
Notices required by these rules are served upon delivery or by certified mail to the permit holder’s last known address. The Regulatory Authority will hold hearings as necessary and make final decisions based on evidence.
Remedies
Violations of this ordinance may result in fines of up to $200. The Regulatory Authority may seek legal action to enforce compliance.