SUBJECT
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAREDO, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 13, “FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS,” OF THE CITY OF LAREDO CODE OF ORDINANCES PROVIDING CLARIFICATION ON THE ADOPTION OF RULES, REGULATIONS AND ASSOCIATED FEES FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENT SERVICES; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Goal HN-2: “Ensure access to healthy, safe, and affordable food.”
• Policy HN-2.4: “Ensure food safety and encourage regulations that promote healthy food options.”
• Policy SC-3.2: “Strengthen the City’s role in the provision and coordination of public health services.”
• Policy ED-2.1: “Improve the regulatory environment to support small businesses.”
Summary of alignment: This ordinance demonstrates strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by enhancing the City’s public health role and ensuring food safety through regulatory updates. By incorporating current state laws (HB 1008 and HB 2844) and clarifying standards for food establishments and mobile vendors, the ordinance directly supports Goal HN-2 and Policy HN-2.4, advancing public access to safe and healthy food environments. Furthermore, it supports Policy SC-3.2 by reinforcing the City’s coordination role in public health through formal certification requirements, routine inspections, and sanitation standards. Lastly, by eliminating outdated or duplicative regulations and introducing a clear, tiered fee structure, the ordinance advances Policy ED-2.1, creating a more supportive regulatory climate for small food businesses and entrepreneurs. Overall, the ordinance meaningfully furthers both health and economic development priorities outlined in the Viva Laredo Plan.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo has undertaken a comprehensive review and update of its food establishment and environmental health fee schedules to ensure consistency with current operational practices, state mandates, and public health priorities. This update reflects the City’s continued alignment with regulatory standards established by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and related provisions under the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER). The revised schedule introduces a clearer, tiered structure based on business type and risk level, ensuring equitable cost distribution while supporting the City’s capacity to deliver essential inspection, permitting, and environmental monitoring services. These changes modernize the City’s approach to fee administration, improve transparency for local food vendors and facility operators, and enhance the fiscal sustainability of public health programs. The fee updates also reinforce Laredo’s commitment to protecting community well-being through efficient, standards-based environmental health oversight. This initiative provides a solid foundation for continuous service improvement, regulatory compliance, and stronger partnerships with the food service sector and broader business community.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approve the Introductory Ordinance.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: N/A
Source of Funds: N/A
Account #: N/A
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A