Tourist Establishments: Hotels, Bed & Breakfast Facilities, Campgrounds and Summer Camps

Fairfax County Health Department conducts inspections and complaint investigations for general sanitation, infestations and health/safety hazards of hotels, bed and breakfast facilities, campgrounds and summer camps (overnight only) (known as "tourist establishments").

Permitting Details

The tourist establishments defined below are required to obtain a health permit before opening to the public.

• Annual renewal deadline: January 1
• Commonwealth of Virginia permit fee: $40 (There is no Fairfax County permit or fee.)
• Permits are not transferable to new owners.
• Read the Virginia Tourist Establishment code.

Marinas

The Health Department’s Marina Program regulates onshore facilities for boating establishments. This includes restrooms, sewage pump-out stations and sewage dump stations.  The Marina Program’s mission is to protect both public health and the environment through regulation, education, and inspection. Our primary focus is making sure that sewage from recreational boaters is disposed of properly and that facilities for marinas and other places where boats are moored are adequate. 

The Fairfax County Health Department issues permits to marinas and conducts inspections of marinas annually, typically between May and September. There are no fees for permits or inspections.

To apply for a permit, please use PLUS.

Marinas Code
Commonwealth of Virginia Sanitary Regulations for Marinas and Boat Moorings

Resources 
Virginia Department of Health Marina Program
Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant
Marina Program Frequently Asked Questions
 

Tattoo Establishments

The Health Department permits Tattoo Establishments and conducts annual inspections to ensure sanitary conditions. Tattoo establishment permits must be renewed on an annual basis.  To apply for or renew a permit, please use the Planning and Land Use System. There are no Health Department fees for Tattoo Establishment permits, renewals, or inspections.

To apply for a new Tattoo Establishment or renewal permit, a Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) from the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration is required. All tattoo establishments and tattoo practitioners must also be licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.

Complaints about practitioners must be directed to the appropriate VA DPOR board as the Fairfax County Health Department permits the physical facilities and does not permit, register, or license practitioners.  

Tattoo Establishments Code
Chapter 35- Tattoo Establishments

Apply For or Renew a Permit

Apply for a New Permit

1. If you do not already have a user account on the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS), create an account. Once you create your account, you MUST be logged in to access applications.   
2. Once you log into your PLUS account, you may proceed to the Environmental Health tab and click on Create an Application in the blue ribbon. You’ll need to read and accept the Terms and Conditions of Use. Select the appropriate permit type and follow the steps. 

Submit Your Renewal Application

1. If you do not already have a user account on the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS), create an account. Registration is required so that you can access your record information and renew online.  
2. Once you create your account, you may proceed to the My Records tab and see your Establishment(s) listed under Environmental Health. If you are renewing your permit, please do not create a new application.
3. Within your record in PLUS, click on Renew Application under the Action column and follow the steps.
4. If you do NOT have a listing of your establishment under your record list or have any questions, please contact us at 703-246-2201, option 2.

Additional Resources

• Health Codes
• Environmental Health Fees Schedule