A human’s first line of defense against disease is environmental management.
Environmental Health is responsible for the promotion and enhancement of public health as it relates to the environmental needs of our community. We strive to work with individuals, businesses, and the community through education, regulation, permitting, and when necessary, enforcement to promote a healthy and safe environment for all.
Environmental Health’s Core Functions
- Prevent epidemics and the spread of disease
- Protect against environmental hazards
- Prevent injuries
- Promote and encourage healthy behaviors
- Respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery
Please visit each county Environmental Health page for specific county applications and requirements.
Verification of Residency For License Application
In order to comply with the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) 50-36-1, a Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application must be completed by all new applicants for Food Service Permits, Swimming Pool Permits, Tourist Accommodation Permits, Waste Removal and Disposal Permits, Body Art/Tattoo Establishment Permits, and Body Artist/Tattoo Artist Permits.
BODY ART
- Body Art Studio Permit Cover Sheet and Application
- Body Tattoo Piercer Artist Cover Sheet and Application
FOOD SERVICE
- Permit Application for Food Service Establishments and Mobile/Extended Food Service Base of Operations – With Health District Cover Sheet
- Temporary Food Service Establishment Application
- Temporary Food Service Event Organizer Application
- Permit Application for Mobile Food Unit
- Georgia Mobile Food Service Unit Location Listing
- Mobile Food Service Unit Property Use Agreement
- Toilet Use Agreement For Mobile Food Service Unit
- Permit Application for Extended Unit
- Permit-Application for Mobile Food Truck, Trailer or Pushcart – Additional Counties
- Water Interruption Brochure
- Emergency Operations Plan Information
ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Course
The Columbus Department of Public Health sponsors a 2-Day ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Course. Our next two-day course will be held Tuesday, November 14th and Wednesday, November 15th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. Please complete the registration form if you are interested in the class.
The National Restaurant Association allows an examinee to take the Serve Safe Food Protection Manager Exam twice within a 30-day period, if necessary. If three attempts are required, the examinee must wait at least 60 days from their last attempt. No more than four attempts are allowed in a 12-month period. The next re-test will be Thursday, October 26th. Please complete the form below if interested in taking the exam.
Oct 26 2023 – Serve Safe Retest Registration Form
Please contact the Environmental Health Office at the Columbus Department of Public Health at 706-321-6170 if you have questions regarding the ServSafe® Program. ServSafe® is a registered trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and used under license by National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC.
Note: American National Standards Institute (ANSI) food safety certification approved exams can also be found on the ANSI website.
For additional information, visit GDPH Food Service Rules and Regulations.
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
- Cover Sheet – Tourist Accommodation
- Application for Tourist Accommodation
- Tourist Accommodation Plan Review Checklist
ON-SITE / LAND USE
Existing Septic System Evaluation Cover Sheet and Application
WCHD-EH-NEW-Residential-Septic-Permit-Cover-Sheet-and-Application revised 11.22.2022
NonResidential Septic Permit Cover Sheet and Application
REPAIR Septic Permit Cover Sheet and Questionnaire and Application
Subdivision and Mobile Home Park Proposal Cover Sheet and Requirements Checklist and Analysis form
County Application for a Waste Removal and Disposal Permit
PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES
- Water Well Placement Permit Cover Sheet and Application and Permit
- Well Water Bacterial Sample Cover Sheet and Application
SWIMMING POOLS/SPAS
- Public Swimming Pool Spa RWP Fact Sheet
- Public Swimming Pool Hydraulic Analysis Worksheet
- Application for Swimming Pool, Spa, and Recreational Water Park Construction Permit
- Pool Construction Plan Review – Chapter 511-3-5
Additional Information on Public Swimming Pools
WCHD Request For Open Records Form
NOTICE: Fee Proration will be discontinued for Muscogee (Columbus) and Crisp Counties effective January 1, 2022