Environmental Health staff conduct two unannounced health inspections per year and investigate consumer complaints. If a public health risk is identified, an environmental health specialist conducts a follow-up inspection. Inspections focus on food temperatures, food preparation practices, worker hygiene, dishwashing and sanitizing, equipment and facility cleanliness.

Restaurant Inspection Scores are public record. A restaurant must receive a score of 70 to pass the inspection. Consumers can find a sign near the restaurant entrance that indicates if a facility passed the last health inspection.

For more information about the food code, visit the Food Code Adoption page.

Forms and Applications 

All forms are bilingual (English and Spanish) unless specified.

• How to Open a Restaurant in Washington County
• General Restaurant Requirements (English only) (Spanish only)
• License Application -- license expires December 31 of the year issued
• How to obtain a Food Handler Card
• Change of Ownership Application Addendum

• Plan Review Instructions
• Plan Review Application
• Floor Plan Requirements
• Interior Finishes/Surfaces
• Food Service Preparation Activities
• Food Cooling & Reheating
• Rapidly Cooling Food
• Shared Facility Operational Information (generally for caterers who work out of a shared licensed kitchen)

• Employee Illness Policy (example)
• Restaurant & Bed and Breakfast Rules (English only)