Environmental Health Services
Inspections and Facility Requirements
As part of its mission to prevent disease, promote wellness and protect against health threats, the Health Department routinely inspects restaurants, hotels, septic systems, pools, tanning facilities, tattoo and body piercing facilities, schools and mobile home/RV parks. Ensuring health and safety where you live, work and play is essential to building a healthier Northern Kentucky.
Inspection How-To’s
The Health Department also has a regulatory role when it comes to many of the facilities in which Northern Kentuckians do business.
Requirements and inspection processes vary by program. Many programs require permits and associated fees.
Information for food service operators found below.
Information for those operating other establishments can be found below.
- Hotels
- Tattoo, ear, body piercing and permanent makeup
- Tanning facilities
- Schools
- Mobile home/RV parks
Other concerns
Licensed Child Care Providers
Opening and operating a child care center is an exciting endeavor. The Health Department works with licensed centers and in-home providers to ensure a safe and healthy environment in the child care setting while also providing valuable resources and consultation on health and safety issues.
Food Inspections
The Health Department regularly inspects all Northern Kentucky food service establishments, including bars, restaurants, etc. Most facilities are inspected twice per year.
Inspectors look for 58 potential items of violation, including:
- Is food being stored properly?
- Do workers handle food safely?
- Do workers practice good hygiene, like washing hands?
- Is food kept at safe temperatures?
- Is equipment in good working order?
- Is the establishment free of any pests, such as insects or rodents?
Scores
Establishments begin each inspection with a score of 100. Points are then deducted for violations observed by the inspector. A violation that is more likely to impact food safety is considered critical and will have a higher point value assigned.
For example, an employee who fails to wash his hands between handling raw chicken and uncooked vegetables would be a critical violation.
Follow-up inspections
If the total inspection score is below 85 points or if the inspector observes any critical violations, a follow-up inspection is required. These inspections can be done the same day or within 30 days.
If the total inspection score is below 70, a conference with the Kentucky Department for Public Health may be necessary. The establishment may also be required to close if there is an imminent health threat.
Inspection reports
Click on one of the links below for an updated list of the latest restaurant food inspection scores for a specific county within the district. You may experience a slight delay in loading the links, this is because the scores are updating in real-time. Note — within the link, you may search for a restaurant two ways by (1) typing in the name or address and clicking “Search” or (2) scrolling through the list by clicking on “next page/previous page” arrow buttons. Restaurants are listed alphabetically.
View Boone County food inspection scores
View Campbell County food inspection scores
View Grant County food inspection scores
View Kenton County food inspection scores
Please keep in mind that the inspection scores only represent the conditions present at the time of the inspection. Conditions in a restaurant as well as other types of food service establishments can change from hour-to-hour and day-to-day.
More information
Copies of establishment inspection reports are available to the public upon written request. Please call 859-341-4151 for more details.
Food Inspections (FAQ)
The Health Department investigates complaints about sanitation in a restaurant or food contamination. Complaints can be submitted online or by calling 859-341-4151. Please note that it may be a few days before your complaint will be investigated. Often times, incidents causing concern in restaurants are isolated or can be easily corrected.
I became ill after eating at a Northern Kentucky restaurant, what should I do?
Please submit information as a complaint using an online form or by calling 859-341-4151.
Are restaurant workers required to wear gloves when preparing food?
Glove use is not necessarily required when preparing food. If food is handled directly, there must be a barrier in place; the food handler can either wear gloves or use tongs, spatula, etc.
How often should restaurant workers change gloves?
If restaurant workers are wearing gloves, they should be changed regularly, especially between tasks. If a restaurant worker is not wearing gloves, he/she should wash his/her hands frequently.
Are restaurant workers required to wear hair nets when preparing food?
Some type of hair restraint is required for anyone preparing food, but it can be a visor, hat, hairnet, barrettes or pony tail.
An emergency has impacted a food service establishment. What should we/they do?
When emergency situations occur that affect the ability to operate, such as fire, extended power outages and water service interruptions, the establishment should suspend its operations and notify the Health Department. View the guidelines here: Emergency Guidelines for Food Service Establishments
Hotel Inspections
Hotels and motels in Northern Kentucky are required to have a permit and are inspected by the Health Department at least once per year.
Inspection reports
Click on one of the links below for an updated list of the latest hotel inspection scores for a specific county within the district. You may experience a slight delay in loading the links, this is because the scores are updating in real-time. Note — within the link, you may search for a hotel two ways by (1) typing in the name or address and clicking “Search” or (2) scrolling through the list by clicking on “next page/previous page” arrow buttons. Hotels are listed alphabetically.
View Boone County hotel inspection scores
View Campbell County hotel inspection scores
View Grant County hotel inspection scores
View Kenton County hotel inspection scores
Please keep in mind that the inspection scores only represent the conditions present at the time of the inspection. Conditions in a hotel can change from hour-to-hour and day-to-day.
Opening a hotel/motel in Northern Kentucky
Hotels in Northern Kentucky must have a permit and pay the applicable fees.
Fees
1-25 rooms……………………….$250
26-50 rooms…………………….$275
51-100 rooms…………………..$300
101-200 rooms…………………$325
201-300 rooms…………………$350
301-400 rooms…………………$375
401+ rooms………………………$400
New construction or remodeling
Physical submissions must be accompanied by:
- A completed Plumbing Plan Application Form.
- The $150 review fee, payable to NKY Health.
- Three complete sets of plans and two additional sets of plumbing plans — all full-size sheets (24″x36″).
- A completed Food Establishment Plan Review Application and supporting documentation.
Plan drawings can be submitted to Ted Talley, Environmental Health Manager, Northern Kentucky Health Department, 8001 Veterans Memorial Drive, Florence, KY 41042.
Electronic submissions
- Plans, applications and supporting documentation can be submitted electronically as PDF files to ted.talley@nkyhealth.org.
- Large files may require a file hosting service, such as Dropbox.
- One complete set of plans and one additional set of plumbing – all full-size sheets (24″x36″) – must also be physically sent to Ted Talley, Environmental Health Manager, Northern Kentucky Health Department, 8001 Veterans Memorial Drive, Florence, KY 41042
Electronic submissions must include:
- A completed Plumbing Plan Application Form.
- The $150 review fee, payable to NKY Health.
- Review fee can be paid over the phone a with a credit card (no AMEX) after plans are submitted.
- A complete set of plans.
- A completed Food Establishment E-Plan Review Application and supporting documentation.
For more information on plan review, please contact Ted Talley at ted.talley@nkyhealth.org or call 859-363-2027.
Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria. It can be associated with hotels and resorts. It is deadly for approximately 1 in every 10 people who get it.
The problems that lead to Legionnaires’ disease are preventable through water management programs. A water management program is a multi-step, continuous process designed to:
- Identify areas in a building where Legionella could grow and spread
- Reduce risk by managing and monitoring the water system
- Trigger action when risks are identified
For additional information on Legionnaires’ disease prevention, please visit www.cdc.gov/legionella/wmp/hotel-owners-managers.html.
More information
Please call 859-341-4151 for more details.
The Health Department regularly inspects all hotels and motels in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties. Most hotels are inspected at least once per year.
Boarding homes, rooming houses, and bed and breakfasts are not inspected by the Health Department.
Inspectors look for 27 potential items of violation, including:
- Is there hot and cold running water in all bathrooms?
- Are rooms and common areas free of bed bugs and rodents? Are other insects under control?
- Are rooms and common areas safe and in good repair, without any safety or fire hazards?
Scores
Establishments begin each inspection with a score of 100. Points are then deducted for violations observed by the inspector. A violation that is more likely to impact health or safety is considered critical, and will have a higher point value assigned.
An example of a critical item is a hotel room infested with bed bugs.
Follow-up inspections
If a hotel has any critical violations or if the total score is below 85, a follow-up inspection is typically done.
Scores below 70 may require conferences with officials from the Kentucky Department for Public Health and/or closure due to imminent health/safety threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
I was a guest at a Northern Kentucky hotel and saw conditions that concerned me. What should I do?
The Health Department investigates complaints about sanitation and safety issues in hotels and motels. Complaints can be submitted online or by calling 859-341-4151. Please note that it may be a few days before your complaint will be investigated.
An emergency has impacted a hotel/motel. What should they do?
When emergency situations occur that affect the ability to operate, such as fire, extended power outages and water service interruptions, the establishment should suspend its operations and notify the Health Department.
More information
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- Copies of hotel inspection reports are available to the public upon written request. Please call 859-341-4151 for more details.
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Tattoo and Body Piercing
All tattoo studios, body piercing studios, ear piercing studios and facilities providing permanent make-up must apply for a permit through NKY Health. In addition, tattoo artists, body piercers and ear piercers must be certified by NKY Health if they are providing services in Boone, Campbell, Grant or Kenton counties. After certification, they are required to register every year.
The Health Department regularly inspects all tattoo studios, body piercing studios, ear piercing studios and facilities providing permanent makeup in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties.
Opening A Facility
All tattoo studios, body piercing studios, ear piercing studios and facilities providing permanent make-up must apply for a permit and submit the applicable fee ($400 annually for all facilities with up to four work stations ($50 for each additional work station), except for ear piercing which is $200 with up to four work stations ($50 for each additional work station) per year.
New Construction or Remodeling
For more information on plan review, please contact Ted Talley at ted.talley@nkyhealth.org or call 859-363-2027.
Individual Certification/Registration
All persons engaged in the practice of tattooing, including microblading and cosmetic tattooing or body/ear piercing in Boone, Campbell, Grant or Kenton counties in Kentucky must be certified by NKY Health if they are providing services in Boone, Campbell, Grant or Kenton counties. After certification, they are required to register every year. To apply for certification or yearly registration, please fill out the Application for Registration/Certification.
For tattoo, body piercing and permanent makeup questions, please contact Kevin Kellner or call 859-363-2017 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Inspection reports
Click on one of the links below for an updated list of the latest body art inspection scores for a specific county within the district. You may experience a slight delay in loading the links, this is because the scores are updating in real-time.
View Boone County inspection scores
View Campbell County inspection scores
View Grant County inspection scores
View Kenton County inspection scores
Please keep in mind that the inspection scores only represent the conditions present at the time of the inspection. Conditions in a studio as well as other types of body art establishments can change from hour-to-hour and day-to-day.
The main purpose of these inspections is to reduce the risk of disease transmission, as these procedures often involve a break in the skin which could lead to exposure to disease such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV, among other infections.
Most facilities are inspected at least twice per year.
Inspectors look for a variety of items, including:
- Is the facility clean?
- Is equipment sterilized properly?
- Are needles only used once, and then properly disposed of?
- Do staff follow proper hygienic practices, such as washing hands as needed and wearing gloves when required?
- Has staff taken the required blood-borne pathogen training?
- Does the facility require written consent for procedures done on individuals under 18?
Blood-borne pathogen training
Blood-borne pathogen education is required for all licensed tattoo and body piercing artists in Northern Kentucky. Artists are required to attend classes, or document that they’ve attended and passed an approved class. The Health Department offer classes regularly. For information on upcoming classes, please call 859-341-4151. Download the application for the Health Department’s class.
Frequently asked questions
I received services at a Northern Kentucky tattoo studio, body piercing studio, ear piercing studio or facility providing permanent makeup in Northern Kentucky and I have a health concern related to this. What should I do?
The Health Department investigates complaints about sanitation and safety issues in tattoo studios, body piercing studios, ear piercing studios or facilities providing permanent makeup. Complaints can be submitted online or by calling 859-341-4151. Please note that it may be a few days before your complaint will be investigated.
I already have a permit for this year. How do I renew it for next year?
Permits are good for the calendar year. Existing facilities should automatically get a renewal application, typically in the fall.
I’m opening my establishment late in the year. Is the permit fee pro-rated?
Unfortunately, permit fees are not pro-rated.
An emergency has impacted an establishment. What should they do?
When emergency situations occur that affect the ability to operate, such as fire, extended power outages and water service interruptions, the establishment should suspend its operations and notify the Health Department.
More information
Copies of inspection reports are available to the public upon written request. Please call 859-341-4151 for more details.
Swimming Pools
The Health Department regularly inspects all indoor and outdoor bodies of water that are used by the public or members for swimming or bathing in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties.
This includes beaches, swimming pools, wading pools, water slides, therapy pools and spas.
Most pools are inspected at least twice per year or twice during the season the facility is open. Water quality is also checked monthly.
Inspectors look for a number of violations, including:
- Are there proper records of water testing, including chlorine, pH, temperature and alkalinity?
- Are there proper records for maintenance procedures, such as backwashing?
- Are pumps, filters and other mechanical equipment working properly?
- Is the water clear? Can you see the main drain at the bottom of the pool?
- Is a first aid kit, safety equipment and emergency phone available?
Closure
Pools can be closed by the Health Department immediately when conditions exist that are an immediate threat to health or safety or if the water does not meet the required standards. Pools can also be closed when there has been an incident where stool or vomit is spotted in the water.
Health concerns for pool patrons
People with certain contagious diseases or infections should not swim in pools. This includes individuals with vomiting, diarrhea, fever and other infections.
Children who are not toilet trained should wear diapers along with plastic pants that are tight fitting at the waist and legs. Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
Legionella
Legionella is a bacteria that is found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. Legionella grows best in warm water that is not moving or that does not have enough disinfectant to kill the bacteria. It can make people sick because it spreads in droplets small enough for people to breathe in. Information regarding how to disinfect if water samples test positive for Legionella, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/downloads/hot-tub-disinfection.pdf.
Frequently asked questions
I was a guest at a Northern Kentucky pool and saw conditions that concerned me. What should I do?
The Health Department investigates complaints about sanitation and safety issues in pools. Complaints can be submitted online or by calling 859-341-4151. Please note that it may be a few days before your complaint will be investigated.
A patron vomited or had loose stool in a pool. What should be done?
Pool operators should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for responding to fecal incidents
An emergency has impacted a pool. What should they do?
When emergency situations occur that affect the ability to operate, such as fire, extended power outages and water service interruptions, the establishment should suspend its operations and notify the Health Department.
More information
Please call 859-341-4151 for more information.
Schools
The Health Department regularly inspects all schools in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties.
Inspectors look for a number of violations, including:
- Are the restrooms maintained in a sanitary manner?
- Is there adequate lighting in all classrooms and other common areas?
- Are buildings in good repair and free of insects and rodents?
- Are any safety hazards present?
New construction or remodeling
Physical submissions must be accompanied by:
- A completed Plumbing Plan Application Form.
- The $150 review fee, payable to NKY Health.
- Three complete sets of plans and two additional set of plumbing – all full-size sheets (24″x36″) – are needed.
- If new or if renovating cafeteria or concession stands, a completed Food Establishment Plan Review Application and supporting documentation.
Plan drawings can be submitted to Ted Talley, Environmental Health Manager, Northern Kentucky Health Department, 8001 Veterans Memorial Drive, Florence, KY 41042.
Electronic submissions
- Plans, applications and supporting documentation can be submitted electronically as PDF files to ted.talley@nkyhealth.org.
- Large files may require a file hosting service, such as Dropbox.
- One complete set of plans and one additional set of plumbing – all full-size sheets (24″x36″)– must also be physically sent to Ted Talley, Environmental Health Manager, Northern Kentucky Health Department, 8001 Veterans Memorial Drive, Florence, KY 41042
Electronic submissions must include:
- A completed Plumbing Plan Application Form.
- The $150 review fee, payable to NKY Health.
- Review fee can be paid over the phone a with a credit card – no AMEX – after plans are submitted.
- A complete set of plans.
- If new or if renovating cafeteria or concession stands, a completed Food Establishment E-Plan Review Application and supporting documentation.
For more information on plan review, please contact Ted Talley at ted.talley@nkyhealth.org or call 859-363-2027.
More information
Please call 859-341-4151.
Youth Camps
The Health Department regularly inspects youth operating in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties. Youth camps are inspected at least once per year.
Inspectors look for a number of violations, including:
- Are mattresses and bedding clean, in good repair and liners changed as required?
- Are there adequate facilities present with water provided for hand washing and showers at proper temperatures?
- Are recreational water activities under certified supervision?
- Are pests and vermin kept under control?
- Are authorized first aid personnel on duty?
- Are safety hazards prevented?
More information
For more information on youth camp inspections, please call 859-341-4151.
Cistern and Well Testing
Cisterns are contained water supplies for homes without access to a public water source. Homes with cisterns usually collect water from the roof or purchase water from a water hauler. View a list of tips for proper maintenance and disinfection of cisterns and wells.
Water testing for homes using cisterns and wells is often required for real-estate transactions, including buying/selling or refinancing. While this testing is not required by local or state law, the Health Department offers it as a service for properties located in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties.
By requesting a cistern inspection/water sample, the Health Department will provide a report with observations made at the time of inspection and recommendations for repair or cleaning/disinfection only.
- Because the inspections are not required by law, no enforcement will be provided by the Health Department.
- The observations made on the day of inspection will be based partly upon information provided to the Health Department.
- The inspection does not constitute either a written or implied warranty or guarantee that the private water system in question is installed in compliance with any prevailing code, nor that the system will operate in a satisfactory manner in the future.
- Samples will be tested for fecal and total coliform only. Additional testing for lead, pesticides, etc. would need to be arranged through the Northern Kentucky Water District or a private lab.
Request testing
Please complete an application (PDF or Word) and return it to the Northern Kentucky Health Department, Environmental Health and Safety, 8001 Veterans Memorial Drive, Florence, KY 41042.
- Once application and payment are received, allow up to 10 business days for completion of inspection and sampling.
- The fee of $200 includes an inspection and up to two samples. If additional samples are needed, a fee of $200 per two samples would be required.
- It may be necessary to meet the inspector for access to the cistern or sampling site.
To ensure the water quality meets EPA’s drinking water standards, cistern cleaning and/or disinfection of a private water supply is suggested. View a list of tips for proper maintenance and disinfection of cisterns and wells.
The Health Department contracts with the Northern Kentucky Water District for water quality testing.
- View a copy of the Northern Kentucky Water District’s lab certification.
- Samples will be tested for fecal and total coliform only. Additional testing for lead, pesticides, etc. would need to be arranged through the Northern Kentucky Water District or a private lab.
More information
If you have questions or need additional information, please call the Health Department at 859-341-4151.
Septic Trucks and Disposal Sites
The Health Department regularly inspects all septic trucks and septic disposal sites operating in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties. Septic trucks and disposal sites are inspected at least once per year.
Inspectors look for a number of violations, including:
- Is the septic company properly bonded?
- Are vehicle identifications and licenses properly displayed?
- Are tank inlet/outlets watertight and fitted with caps?
- Are approved disposal sites being used?
- Is nitrogen uptake maintained at approved disposal sites?
- Are the list of vehicles, disposal method and number of gallons maintained?
- Are warning signs adequate and properly posted?
More information
For more information on septic truck and/or septic disposal site inspections, please call 859-341-4151.
Mobile Home/RV Parks
The Health Department regularly inspects all mobile home/ recreational vehicle parks in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties. Mobile home/RV parks are inspected at least once per year.
Inspectors look for a number of violations, including:
- Is garbage properly contained and disposed of?
- Are insects, rodents and weeds controlled?
- Are sewer connections maintained?
- Are any safety hazards present?
Operating a Mobile Home and/ or Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park in Northern Kentucky
Mobile home/RV parks in Northern Kentucky must have a permit (Word, PDF) and pay the applicable fees.
Fees
| 2-10 spaces | $150 |
| 11-50 spaces | $225 |
| 51-100 spaces | $300 |
| 101-200 spaces | $375 |
| 201-300 spaces | $450 |
| 301-400 spaces | $525 |
| 401-500 spaces | $600 |
| 500 or more spaces | $675 |
More information
Please call 859-341-4151.
Septic Systems
If properly designed, constructed and maintained, a septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of wastewater for homes/businesses without access to city sewage. If a septic system isn’t maintained, it might need to be replaced, costing thousands of dollars.
Further, a malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water.
The Health Department provides inspections for septic systems in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties.
Steps to receive approval for a new septic system
- Person chooses a building site for their house, mobile home or commercial establishment.
- Person, or their agent, submits an application (Word or PDF) for a site evaluation to the Health Department. Items required on the application include:
- Specific address and/or location of the site.
- Site boundary lines and dimensions of site should be staked and a survey plat copy submitted.
- Locations of existing structures, wells, ponds, streams, easements, roads, drives, etc., if present.
- Proposed or existing location of structure to be served by the system, and proposed system location marked (area to be tested). Also mark any proposed alternative area.
- For homes: Number of bedrooms, if a garbage disposal will be installed and if the house will have a basement.
For commercial use: Type of business, number of employees and shifts, type of plumbing fixtures proposed and related information.
- Site evaluation fee of $300 must be paid when the application is submitted.
- If the site evaluation results reveal that there is a usable area for possible septic system installation, then the inspector will mark that area. This area is not to be disturbed by such action as grading, heavy equipment traffic, placement of building materials or any related action. This is to prevent compaction and soil structure damage that could negatively affect the system’s ability to function. Any disturbance of the approved area in the manner described could void the site evaluation. Normal mowing or bush hogging of area would be allowed unless otherwise stated.
- A copy of the site evaluation report will be provided to the applicant. On the report, the inspector’s soil characteristic findings will be listed along with the minimum system option information. Specific system component requirements related to any options are the responsibility of the certified installer. However, should the installer or applicant have any questions regarding such information, simply contact the health inspector for additional information.
- If the site received a suitable or provisionally suitable overall rating, then the certified installer may apply at the Health Department for a permit to install the septic system. At that time, all required paperwork must be submitted along with the permit fee. Permit will be based on site evaluation findings regarding site characteristics and the installer’s system design proposal.
- Once the installer puts in the septic system, he/she must then request an inspection from the Health Department before any of the work is covered.
Note: The steps above should be carried out prior to any construction beginning on the property. This will allow the owner to find out the site’s limitations, get prices on possible systems and allow the property owner to meet related requirements enforced by the Health Department.
Steps to receive approval to repair or alter a septic system
- Contact a certified installer to propose corrections to the system.
- Complete a repair site evaluation form. (Word, PDF)
- Obtain a repair permit.
Requesting an inspection of an existing septic system
Existing septic systems may need to be inspected due to sale of the home, building addition, or rebuild of home after a natural disaster. If you are selling or purchasing a home, you can request an inspection of the existing septic system from the Health Department. Local building code offices require the Health Department to inspect an existing septic system prior to issuance of a building or remodeling permit. To request an inspection, please complete the form (Word, PDF) and submit it with the required fee.
Note: If you know that your existing septic system is actively failing, a site evaluation should be requested in lieu of an existing septic system inspection.
Public records requests for onsite septic systems.
To request a public record for an onsite septic system, you will need to complete both an Open Records Request Form and an Onsite Sewage Request for Public Records Attachment Form.
Email the completed forms to Steve Divine (Steve.Divine@nkyhealth.org). Completed forms can also be delivered to:
NKY Health
ATTN: Steve Divine
8001 Veterans Memorial Drive
Florence, KY 41042
More information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems
Tanning
Kentucky tanning facilities must comply with three requirements:
- Parental consent: All children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when using a tanning bed. Children older than 14 but under age 18 must have written parental consent before using a tanning bed. Tanning salons are required to keep all consent forms on file.
- Signs: All tanning salons must post a sign to inform consumers about the dangers of overexposure to tanning beds, the need for protective eyewear and potential reactions to the UV light from tanning beds.
- Registration: All tanning salons must register with the local health department and pay a $75 permit fee each calendar year.
Monitoring in Northern Kentucky
The Health Department inspects all tanning salons in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties to ensure that they comply with the regulations. If you own a tanning salon and would like to register, please contact the Health Department nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4151, or you can submit this form.