Environmental Health Department Presubmittal Resource Documents

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Overview

  • The Clarke County Health Department Office of Environmental Health (CCHDEH) is a Board of Health entity that administers state regulations.  The Northeast Georgia Department of Health is a state entity but is also a part of ACCGov’s Development Services process particularly during the Commercial Plans Review Process.
  • CCHDEH will review all submittals for compliance. Additional permits and fees may be required by the health department dependent on the scope of the project.
  • Certain projects, such as convenience and grocery stores, or bakeries may fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture or the EPD for large on-site sewer (10,000 gallons per day or more) management systems. Please contact the CCHDEH to determine questions regarding jurisdiction 
  • Any structure that requires a new septic tank system must submit a plat with information regarding the area topography (topo), a Level III soil report, and any water wells in the area. Any development utilizing an existing septic tank system will require review and approval of the existing system.
  • Projects involving septic tanks and wells may require approval from the Environmental Protection Division
  • Any development which incorporates food service (restaurants, bars, catering operations, coffee or smoothie shop, etc.,) is required to submit one complete set of plans, a completed Food Service application and associated fees directly to the CCHDEH.  The CCHDEH determines the design layout and equipment requirements based upon the type of food, food service and proposed menu/offerings.  It is recommended that the applicant contact the CCHDEH prior to development of plans for information on its requirements and to obtain the correct permit application. If food or beverage service is proposed for any of the spaces (future tenants), please be aware that not all spaces have adequate area and/or access to services to function as food or beverage service locations. 
  • Review of Motels, Personal Care Homes, and Commercial or Community Swimming Pools also requires full Building Plans.  It is recommended that the applicant contact the CCHDEH prior to development of plans for information regarding these requirements.  You must conform to the CCHDEH “Rules and Regulations for Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Water Parks.”  Copies of the regulations are available at the CCHDEH. 
  • Below is a non-comprehensive list of health department jurisdictions. If your project falls within any of the below, please ensure that you contact the CCGDEH as early in the project as possible.
    1. Land Use: projects that involve Septic tanks systems (On-site sewage management systems) and/or wells
    2. Commercial or community swimming pools and spas (CCHDEH classifies pools and spas associated with apartments and subdivision, as commercial and falls under their regulations and review), spas, and recreational water parks
    3. Hotels and motels- also called tourist court or tourist accommodations (2 or more rooms). 
    4. Personal Care Homes (25 beds or more or if on a septic)
    5. Tattoo and body art establishments (including microblading). 

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