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Seth Swift, REHS David Edwards, REHS
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(828) 692-4228 Monday - Friday Questions? Complaints? |
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| The Environmental Health Division is responsible for ensuring Henderson County residents of having a clean and healthful environment in which to live, work, and play. This is accomplished through education, inspections, and active enforcement of county and state rules and regulations. | ||||
Food, Lodging, and Institution Sanitation
Food, lodging, and institution sanitation helps to ensure the public that establishments operating in Henderson County meet the minimum sanitation standards as required by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Henderson County Environmental Health Specialists routinely inspect all the following establishments.
- hotels, motels, inns
- restaurants, food & drink stands
- summer camps
- meat markets
- schools and educational institutions, hospitals, day care centers, jail
- nursing and rest homes, residential care
- hot dog carts, mobile food units
Inspections include the establishment's level of cleanliness, food handling practices, and proper food protection during preparation, storage, and transportation. After inspection, the establishment receives a certified card with a Grade of A, B, or C. Each establishment is required to display their Grade Card in a prominent location for the public to see. Visit the Restaurant Grades webpage for the most current grades for dining establishments in Henderson County.
New and temporary dining establishments in Henderson County must have applicable licenses and permits. Inspectors will work closely with owners and management to ensure the quality and safety of food service to the public.
Permit for a New Restaurant
Application PDF | Application Word | Fee Schedule
Application is made on a prescribed form with submittal of full plans of the facility. Once plans are reviewed, and approved, a letter is sent to the applicant.Once construction is complete and the applicant has obtained all building department, zoning, and fire approvals, a pre-permitting inspection is conducted. If the facility has been constructed in compliance with the approved plans and state and local regulations, the applicant may apply for and obtain a food service license.
Permit for a Termporary Food Service License
Permit PDF | Fee Schedule
Temporary food service permits are issued for events that are a maximum of 15 days duration. Inspections are conducted during the event to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
For more information about the food, lodging, and institution sanitation, visit the following NC Public Health links.
- Food Defense Program
- Rules Governing the Sanitation of Food Service Establishments
- Environmental Health Services Section Administrative Rules
- Institution Sanitation Program
On-site Wastewater (Septic) Program
On-site Waste Water (Septic) Program North Carolina general statutes state that a person owning or controlling a residence, place of business, or place of public assembly shall provide an approved sanitary sewage system. As a result, the Commission for Health Services has compiled rules and regulations addressing the placement, design, installation, and maintenance of subsurface ground absorption sewage disposal systems. The Environmental Health Section of the Department of Public Health acts as authorized agents of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and ensures that these rules and regulations are enforced and the public's health is protected.
Applications for Permits for Sewage Disposal Systems and Wells
Applications for lot evaluations for a subsurface sewage disposal permit can be made at the Henderson County Permit Center. An application fee is required as well as a plat of the property. The Environmental Health Specialist will make a site evaluation based on the following factors:
- Topography and landscape position
- Soil characteristics
- Soil wetness
- Soil depth
- Restrictive horizons
- Available space
Once the lot has been evaluated and approved an Authorization to Construct Permit for a subsurface sewage disposal system is issued. (This permit is also used to obtain building permits at the County Inspections Department, N. King Street, Hendersonville) Once the septic system is installed, another inspection is performed, and if approved an Operations Permit is issued to the property owner.
For more information about on-site wastewater (septic) program, visit the following NC Public Health links.
- Environmental Health Services Section Administrative Rules
- Maintenance of Septic Tank Systems
- On-site Wastewater Contractor Certification Board
- On-site Wastewater Rules & Laws
- Septic System Installation, Maintenance, and Inspection
Water and Well Program
Applications for a well installation, repair or abandonment may be made Monday through Friday between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. An application fee is required. Once the site has been evaluated and approved the permit is issued.
An inspection is required during different stages of construction, repair or abandonment. When all the inspections are completed and approved a Well Completion Permit is issued.
For more information about the water and well program, visit the following NC Public Health links.
Mosquito and Vector Control
Vector infestation can be destructive, a nuisance, and a public health hazard. The Environmental Health sections maintain a program to advise and consult with citizens about these public health problems.
Lead Investigation
Lead poisoning occurs when too much lead is in the body. Even small amounts of lead from old paint chips or leaded dust can harm the body, especially in children younger than 6. A blood test is the only way to detect lead poisoning and is recommended in children ages 1 through 5. If you suspect lead exposure, contact your health care provider about obtaining a blood test for lead. If an individual is found to have an abnormal level of lead in their blood, an Environmental Health Specialist at the Department of Public Health will help coordinate investigative services with the State.
The Henderson County Department of Public Health does not conduct environmental lead testing (paint chips, dust, soil, water, etc.) but can refer the public to local resources.
Pool Sanitation Program
Local inspectors work to ensure all public swimming pools in Henderson County operate in accordance to the regulations set by the Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources. Frequent inspections are conducted to ensure proper water quality, construction, and safety standards are maintained. No pool can be open to the public unless an Operations Permit is obtained from an inspector.
For more information about the Pool Sanitation Program, visit the following links.
Tattoo Parlor Permits
The Department of Public Health issues permits for any establishment and/or individual that offers tattoo services. The establishment and/or individual is inspected yearly by an Environmental Health Inspector. Please refer to the fee schedule for tattoo permit fees.
Resources
- North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- Environmental Health Services Section Administrative Rules
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- North Carolina Agencies
- North Carolina Child Care
1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100 • Hendersonville, NC 28792 • (828) 692-4223
