Environmental Health Services

The Food Safety Program works to protect the health of Washoe County residents and visitors by ensuring food is prepared and served safely. NNPH conducts inspections of restaurants, food manufacturers, mobile food units, and temporary food establishments to verify compliance with food safety regulations. Find info on food establishment inspections, permits and licensing, plan review for new or remodeled facilities, mobile and temporary food operations, special event food vendors, how to report a foodborne illness concern, and food safety education and outreach resources for operators and the public.

Non-food permitted facilities in Washoe County are establishments that require a health permit but are not involved in preparing or serving food. These can include public pools and spas, tattoo and body art shops, child care facilities, solid waste disposal operations, underground storage tanks and other settings. NNPH regulates these facilities to protect public health by ensuring they meet sanitation, safety, and operational standards.

The Land Development Program - through permit plan review, inspections, and collaboration with state and local agencies, health department staff and the public - ensures that development in Washoe County occurs in a manner that minimizes environmental contamination and prevents the spread of disease, promotes public health and safety, and provides sustainable development. This work includes permitting of residential septic systems and wells.

The Waste Management Program oversees all matters involving solid waste in Washoe County, including monitoring waste collection and disposal; enforcing regulations involving permits; transfer station operations and importation of out-of-state municipal solid waste. Staff also develops and implements public education campaigns for waste reduction, reuse and recycling and the purchase of environmentally friendly products.

The mission of the Vector-Borne Disease Prevention Program is to protect the public's health and well being through the prevention of human disease, discomfort, annoyance, and economic loss caused by vector species and vector-borne diseases agents.

Northern Nevada Public Health’s Commercial Plan Review service evaluates construction and remodeling plans for a wide range of commercial and community facilities to ensure they meet applicable health and safety regulations before work begins. This includes review for developments such as childcare facilities, hotels, pools/spas, mobile home parks, tattoo/body art shops, and water infrastructure, helping protect public health and environmental safety in Washoe County.