EH FAQs

Our EH Administrative staff can assist you. Please select the county where the property is located:

On the page:

   https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage

Look under the Homeowner Resources for Installers. Septic companies are listed by county.

Environmental health addresses physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person and encompasses the assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially affect your health. Environmental health is focused on preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments.
See the full description here.

These records are not publicly accessible, however, our EH offices maintain these records and, if available, you can request specific property records from the EH office in which the property is located.

You can email the office to request this as indicated below. Please include the complete property address in your email and allow adequate time for your request to be processed (one to two business days).

Our offices can get high volumes of these emailed requests and we ask for your patience. If you need immediate assistance with a drawing, you may call or visit our office locations in-person during normal business hours.

We have very responsive administrative staff members in each of our county offices, however, in most offices there is only one EH admin staff member to handle all emails, phone calls, walk-in customers, and all other administrative tasks. You should typically expect a response within one to two business days.

You can choose your preferred method for contact below:

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Wastewater from a residence or business must either be disposed of/treated through a public sewer system or through an on-site septic system (‘on-site’ referring to a septic system that is on the same parcel of land as the structure). Septic systems are required where public sewer is not available.

The most common septic system for a typical home consists of 2 major components: A septic tank to catch and settle the solids coming from your home, and a drain field (aka absorption field, leach lines, field lines) where the water/eƯluent leaving the septic tank is then absorbed and treated by the soils on the property.

Most conventional septic system drain fields are composed of chamber panels, gravel, Styrofoam bundles, bundled corrugated pipe, or other state-approved products. In some cases when soil conditions are not ideal, alternative or advanced treatment septic systems are required.

If you’re not sure which wastewater system you have for your home or business, look at your water bill. If you don’t see a sewer fee, you are likely to have a septic system. If you don’t have public water, you are more than likely to have a septic system. If your septic record is on file at your local EH office, the record should indicate what type of system is on your property, and our staff can assist you.

Additional resources:

DPH Onsite Sewage Site
EPA SepticSmart Site

If you need a septic pumper or installer, please see homeowner resources here:

   https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage

If you have general questions and need assistance, please contact your county office:

You can view statewide resources under Homeowner Resources, with Soil Classifiers listed by region here:

     https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage

Or contact your local office:

All Mobile Food Service establishments permitted in Georgia shall comply with Chapter 511-6-1.

For more information: https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/food-service

Definitions

1. "Authorization to operate" - means approval from a county board of health to operate within its jurisdiction for a mobile food service establishment (MFSE) that is permitted in another county that is referred to as the county of origin.
2. "County of Origin"- County where the permit holder's base of operations is located.
3. "Good standing"- MFSE has active permits, authorizations issued are not terminated or revoked, and there are no public health or safety concerns associated with the establishment.
4. "Mobile Food Service Establishment" - A food service establishment that includes both the base of
   operation (commissary) and mobile food service unit(s).

MFSE FAQs

How do I start a Mobile Food Service Establishment (MFSE) (i.e., commissary with a mobile unit/truck) in Georgia?

First, determine the local ordinances for the county of origin where you want to operate. Some cities and counties do not allow mobile food units/trucks - these are separate from health department requirements. You can review local ordinances through the city or county planning and zoning office.

Next, you are required to have a Base of Operation or Commissary. It should be within a reasonable distance from where you want to operate your unit/truck, since you will need to make daily trips to dump wastewater, refill water tanks and restock supplies.

The final step is to obtain permits from the health department for your Base of Operation and your unit/truck. (It is highly recommended that you do this before you invest any money.).

How do I obtain the required permits or authorizations to operate from the health department?

When initiating a mobile food service establishment, you are required to apply for permits for your Base of Operation and your unit/truck at the health department in the county of origin. You will need to submit your menu, a to-scale diagram or sketch of the layout of the Base of Operation and the unit/truck, pictures of your unit/truck (inside and outside), and pay any fees charged by the health department.

Beginning January 1, 2023, permits for MFSEs operating from their county of origin will be recognized in outside counties. Prior to operating, permit holders are required to apply for authorization to operate from the health department in the outside county where they intend to operate their mobile unit/truck.

Are there any fees associated with obtaining permits and authorizations to operate?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining permits and authorizations to operate. Fees for authorizations to operate will be associated with administrative costs for the verification of permits in the county of origin. Fees are determined by county boards of health.

Why do I have to have a Base of Operation? Can I share a base or an existing restaurant's equipment or space?

The permit holder for each mobile food service unit/truck is required to have his or her own Base of Operation where wastewater from the unit/truck will be dumped and water tanks refilled. The Base is also the place where you will store and/or prepare food, and wash, rinse and sanitize any dishes or utensils that are too big to be washed on the unit/truck. Cleaning and servicing the unit/truck will also be done at the Base of Operation. The permit holder must return to their Base of Operation daily. Sharing space or equipment is not allowed due to liability and for traceback purposes should there be a foodborne illness outbreak. Two separate permit holders are not allowed to share equipment and space.

Do I need a full commercial kitchen at my Base of Operation if I'm only selling hot dogs or snow cones?

The absolute minimum that is required at a Base of Operation is a dump station or mop sink, a handwashing sink, and a potable fresh water supply tap. Your menu and the equipment you have in your unit/truck will determine what else may be needed at your Base of Operation. During the plan review, the health department will let you know if other equipment is required at your Base of Operation.

Can my Base of Operation be at my house?

It depends. The Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations prohibit food service establishment operations conducted in a private home or in a room used as living or sleeping quarters. However, if local zoning and other ordinances allow for the use of your private property as a Base of Operation, and you have an area that is completely separate from residential use (e.g., an outbuilding in your yard), then the health department may allow you to use your property as a Base of Operation. You may be required to make modifications to your septic system or sewer for wastewater disposal and provide proof that water from your individual well meets drinking water standards set forth by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, if your home is not served by a municipal drinking water supply.

Why do I need to obtain an authorization to operate for each outside county in which I operate my unit/truck?

In May 2022, HB 1443 was signed into law that mandated that an MFSE permitted in any county within the State of Georgia shall have that permit recognized in all other outside counties within the state. According to O.C.G.A. §26-2-373, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the agency with authority to promulgate rules and polices regarding the recognition and authorization of these MFSES wishing to operate within these outside counties if they have an active permit. As a result, DPH developed an authorization process for MFSE operators to utilize when operating in outside counties.

What happens if I have permits in counties outside my county of origin on or before, Jan 1, 2023?

According to the new law, once a mobile food service establishment is permitted by the county of origin, that permit shall be recognized by all outside counties in the state of Georgia. Therefore, if you have permits in other counties outside your county of origin (or county where your commissary/base of operation is located), then prior to Dec 31, 2022, you should receive notice from the local board of health that issued these permits, that these permits will be closed, effective by a specific date.

The closure of the permits is because under the new law a permit is no longer required by counties outside the county of origin. This also means fees associated with those permits will not renew. However, to continue to operate within the county in compliance with the new law, the permit holder must be authorized by the local department of health to operate in the county. The permit holder must apply for authorization through the new mobile authorization process.

Through the new process, the local health department will verify that the mobile food service establishment's permits received in the county of origin are maintained in good standing and that the mobile food service establishment has been operating with no public health or safety concerns. If the mobile food service establishment has been operating in good standing and has no public health or safety concerns, the local county board of health will issue the mobile food service establishment authorization to operate within the county's jurisdiction and operations can resume within that county.

Do I need an inspection for authorization?

No. You will not receive an inspection for authorization. However, MFSE may be subject to periodic and unannounced inspections in any outside county where its permit has been recognized. Inspections are conducted at the discretion of the health authority.

Where can I park my unit/truck when I'm not using it?

When the unit/truck is not in use, it can be stored at your Base of Operation or another location that has been approved by the health department.

Can I just drive around and serve food anywhere in the county for which I have a permit or in outside counties for which I have authorization to operate?

Wherever you plan to stage your unit/truck to sell food, you must have written approval from the property owner. You must ensure that a working restroom is within 200 feet and have a written restroom agreement from the business that allows you and your employees to have access during the time you are there. (If tables are provided for customers, then the restroom must be available to them as well.) Finally, you must inform the health department of all vending locations and times for your unit/truck prior to operating at those locations.

May I operate at a temporary food event such as fairs or festivals with an authorization to operate in an outside county?

Yes. However, the event shall be included as one of your locations on your route/location sheet and you shall return to your base of operation daily. If you do not return to your base of operation daily for a fair or festival, you would need to apply for a Temporary Food Service permit within that outside county to continue operating at that event.

To contact the county where your business will be based:

You can find health inspection results here.

You can contact your local UGA county extension office who can assist with a water test. Please see the website here to find your county information: 

     https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices.html

We can investigate complaints related to:

• Restaurants, food trucks, caterers, other food service facilities (including assisted living facilities, schools, hospitals)
• Septic systems and sewage discharge
• Public swimming pools
• Mosquitoes
• Hotels/Campgrounds
• Animal bites
• Tattoo/Microblading/Piercing Studios/Services

You can report a complaint using our online contact form.

You may also find contact information for your local office here.

Apart from septic systems serving these locations or locations that have public pools or food service permits, Environmental Health does not permit or inspect rental housing units, grocery stores, nail salons, residential spaces of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or daycares. We are glad to provide links to information for these types of complaints to assist the public.

• For rental housing complaints related to mold or pests, there are resources here: https://dca.georgia.gov/housing-choice-voucher/landlords/georgia-landlord-tenant-handbook
• For mold cleanup: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home
• For the Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook and State’s Rental Laws: https://www.dca.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2-15-21_handbook_final_draft.pdf
• The Georgia Department of Agriculture inspects and licenses grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, and other types of food sales establishments. You may visit their website here : https://agr.georgia.gov/retail-food
• The Georgia Department of Early Care and Leaning regulates early learning/daycare facilities: https://www.decal.ga.gov/
• The Georgia Department of Community Health regulates healthcare facilities(nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals)https://dch.georgia.gov/divisionsoffices/hfrd . If the facility has a food service permit or pool, Environmental Health can investigate a food service and in some cases a pool/spa related complaint.
• For complaints related to hair/nail salons and other businesses, please visit Georgia Secretary of State website at : https://sos.ga.gov/licensing-division-complaints

If you have been involved in an animal bite and are concerned about rabies transmission and it is outside our office hours or the situation is urgent, please call Georgia Poison Control at 1-800-222-1212 and/or contact a medical provider.

You can find more helpful information here: https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/rabies.

If you have general question about rabies, non-urgent call, or need to follow-up on an animal bite case, please contact your local EH office in your county:

State-level certification requirements can be found here.
Inspection results can be found here.

Thank you for asking!

Check out the DPH page and type "Environmental" in the search bar to read more about qualifications and see open positions.

Please note that our job titles are listed in different formats:

• Inspector positions may be identified as Environmental Health Specialist, EHS, or PH Environmental Compliance Specialist.
• Administrative positions may be listed as Administrative Support or Customer Service Representative at a specific Environmental Health office location.

You can find additional helpful information here: https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health-faqs.