A new state law meant to rein in health permit costs may change how San Antonio restaurants pay for permits. The changes aim to improve consistency, but the savings won’t be felt evenly. For some operators, the new fees could even push costs higher.

Senate Bill 1008 took effect statewide Sept. 1, capping what cities and counties can charge for restaurant permits and inspections. The law ties local fees to the state’s schedule for equivalent permits, while allowing large jurisdictions — including San Antonio — to charge up to 120% of the state cap.

What does that mean locally?

For years, San Antonio has calculated restaurant permit costs based on staff size. A diner with fewer than 10 employees pays $412 a year, while the city’s largest operators — those with more than 51 employees — pay

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