Environmental Health Services

Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road, Third Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
Email: ehs@baltimorecountymd.gov

Phone: 410-887-FOOD (3663)
TTY users call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1
The Department provides language assistance services free of charge to persons with limited English proficiency.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Environmental Health Services (EHS) is a multidisciplinary group that monitors and enforces various laws, regulations and policies enacted to safeguard the general health and well being of the public. We also provide information, guidance and consultative services on all programs regulated by this division to county, state and federal agencies, private industry personnel and the general public.

• Clean Indoor Air Act Program

• Environmental Health Laws

• Facility Monitoring Program

• Fee Schedule

• Food and Related Resources—Any person interested in operating a business that serves food should contact EHS to receive the steps necessary to open and operate their unique business. Farmers Markets with large gatherings during COVID 19 should follow the Department of Health's interim guidance recommendations (PDF).

• Healthcare and Related Facilities

• Miscellaneous Complaint Program

• Mosquito Control

• Outbreaks

• Plans Review—Food and Swimming Pools

• Recalls of Foods and Dietary Supplements

• Request an Inspection Record

• Sanitary Sewer Overflow Results

• Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Information

• Water Sampling Results—Bathing Beach, Coastline, and Recreational Water

• Water Supply Monitoring Program 

Facility Monitoring Program

EHS reviews, inspects, and processes permits for hotels, motels and mobile home parks.

Healthcare and Related Facilities

The Division of Environmental Health Services conducts the environmental inspections and surveys for all healthcare and healthcare-related facilities that are licensed by the Maryland Department of Health. These facilities include assisted living, comprehensive care, nursing home​s, adult medical daycare and special schools.

​​The Healthcare and Related Facility Application Form (PDF) is to be completed by each owner or operator of a new facility or at change of ownership. The document is required for all applicants requesting an environmental inspection or survey for licensure of any of the types of facilities stated above.

Please note that outbreaks are reportable to the local health department. Baltimore County facilities should call the Baltimore County Department of Health, Division of Communicable Diseases at 410-887-6011. View general guidelines provided by the Maryland Department of Health. 

The Office of Health Care Quality is an agency within the Maryland Department of Health charged with monitoring the quality of care in Maryland's health care facilities and community-based programs. The office's mission is to protect the health, safety and welfare of Maryland's citizens and to ensure there is public confidence in the health care and community services delivery systems.

Plans Review Program—Food Facility and Swimming Pool

EHS regulates the construction of food service facilities and public swimming pools and supports the building permit review process. All construction plans, whether new construction or renovation, must be submitted for approval. The food plans review staff also examines Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Risk Assessments and the HACCP Manual.

• View or download the guidelines (PDF) for retail food establishment plans review submittal.
• View or download the plans review application (PDF) and fee schedule.

Miscellaneous Complaint Program

EHS investigates complaints and enforces regulations related to mosquitoes and other insects, improper handling and disposal of wastes, the release of hazardous chemicals or petroleum products, nuisance dust from construction sites, open burning of trash, problems with private water and septic systems and other miscellaneous nuisances.

Water Supply Monitoring Program

EHS enforces the Safe Drinking Water Act for commercial and institutional private water supplies. Responsibilities include the review of quarterly bacteriological monitoring reports and yearly nitrate monitoring reports, enforcement activities and consultative services.