DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The Division of Health consists of three bureaus which investigate various threats to public health: the Bureau of Investigations and Inspections; the Bureau of Healthy Homes; and the Bureau of Licensing.  As a public health agency, the Division of Health is required to collect, maintain, and report community surveillance statistics to state and federal health officials.

In addition the Health Division also follows up on information involving:

  • Illegal solid waste transfer stations
  • Abandoned industrial barrels
  • Improper disposal of medical waste
  • Crimes against the environment

Registered environmental health specialists also investigate outbreaks and assist and advise other municipal health agencies when the food establishment in question is located outside of Jersey City.

BUREAU OF LICENSING

As required by the State of NJ, we license establishments that have passed Environmental Health inspection, including:

  • Retail food establishments
  • Mobile food vendors
  • Laundries
  • Beauty salons
  • Tanning salons
  • Nail salons
  • Day care centers

Click here to renew licenses for Class A, B, C, and D food establishments, vending machines, child care centers, tattoo parlors, and dog licenses.

Licensing requirements (both food and non-food) and a comprehensive preliminary checklist are in the application. Please read here before applying for a license.

BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS & INSPECTIONS

The Bureau of Investigations and Inspections investigates all citizen complaints relative to potential or actual public health nuisances. 

Public health nuisances are conditions that transport and spread disease. Diseases can be spread by rats, mice, fleas and ticks, for example. 

Common health nuisances reported :

  • Rodent/Roach infestation
  • Hoarding
  • Bedbug Infestation
  • Improper garbage storage
  • Sewer backup in basement
  • Accumulated rubbish and debris on premises
  • High weeds/overgrown grass in rear yard
  • Unsanitary conditions in apartment or house (odor)
BUREAU OF HEALTHY HOMES
The Bureau of Healthy Homes works to eliminate lead poisoning and to address and identify lead hazards in childhood lead cases as reported to the Bureau by the State of NJ.

The Bureau of Healthy Homes/Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) provides a variety of resources to help primary care physicians educate their patients on the dangers of lead. The Bureau provides lead screening, case management, and environmental intervention services to children with elevated lead levels. Lead screening is provided by the Bureau for children 9 months through 6 years of age who are uninsured or underinsured.

Educating local healthcare providers is vital if any headway is going to be made in lowering blood lead levels in Jersey City's youth population.

Mandatory Food Handling Courses

Food Handler Course

Jersey City HHS provides mandatory ServSafe food handling courses, which must be taken by a minimum of one manager or supervisor of retail food establishments of any classification yearly, prior to the renewal of the food establishment's license.

Food establishments that have not met this requirement will not receive a license. N.J.A.C. 8:24 3.4(a)5

At least one person who has satisfactorily completed the Jersey City Health Division food handler's course must be on the premises during hours of operation.

Upcoming Class Nov 4  10AM-2PM
HHS Licensing Bureau, City Hall Annex, 1 Jackson Square

Food Manager Course

If you establishment is type 3 or 4, a manager or supervisor is required to take a mandatory ServSafe food manager course.

At least one person who has satisfactorily completed the Jersey City Health Division food manager course must be on the premises during hours of operation.

Upcoming Class Nov 18  9AM-3PM
HHS Licensing Bureau, City Hall Annex, 1 Jackson Square

Seating is limited; please register and pay $40 fee in advance at HHS Licensing Bureau, City Hall Annex, 1 Jackson Square. We accept cash, check or money order.

Contact Info

  • phone(201) 547-6800
  • phoneHealth Complaints: (201) 547-5285
  • City Hall Annex
    One Jackson Square (364 MLK Drive)
    Jersey City NJ 07305


  • Directions