Get A Permit Or License
Permits and licenses help ensure that your establishment is meeting the standards for public health safety. The Center for Environmental Health Improvement will conduct an inspection of your plan, facility, or operations to ensure that the public health standards are met. WCHD provides guidance and education when needed to help establishments come into compliance with standards needed. There is a cost associated with having a permit or a license as WCHD conducts inspections of these facilities to ensure compliance.
To make an appointment with the Center for Environmental Health Improvement, call 815-720-4100.
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Environmental Health Services
Including food permits, plan reviews, health inspections and more
Permits and Inspections
Food Inspection and Permits
Our Environmental Health inspectors inspect and permit all food establishments in Winnebago County. Food Permit renewal applications are mailed in October of each year and are due no later than December 15th for the next calendar year.
Swimming Pools and Hotel/Motel/Rooming House Inspection and Permits
These facilities are inspected at least once a year for cleanliness, sanitation and the safety of guests and residents. Hotel/Motel permit renewals are mailed in October of each year and are due and payable no later than December 1st for the next calendar year.
Wells and Septics
Our inspectors oversee all licensed well and septic contractors to ensure proper installation and repair of private water and sewage systems, conduct loan inspections, and site verifications.
Submit your payment or payment verification (If you pay online you will receive a payment verification) to WCHD via:
- Email - Environmental@publichealth.wincoil.gov
- Fax - 815-720-4203
- Mail – WCHD, P.O. Box 4009, Rockford, IL 61110
Permits and Licenses Available Through WCHD:
Swimming Pool and Hotel/Motel Applications
- Public Swimming Facility Permit: For public swimming facilities (pools, spas, bathing beaches).
- Hotel/Motel Permit: For facilities offering temporary lodging (hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts) and rooming houses.
Mortgage/Loan Inspection Applications
- Loan Inspection Request: Well and/or septic inspection for realty transaction, including FHA/VA Loan Inspection Request.
Well and Septic Applications
- Well/Septic Verification and Re-Inspections: For For verification that proposed construction will not adversely affect existing well/septic systems (additions, garages, pools, decks, etc.) Soil boring site verification, Septic system field/tank/well distance verification, well/septic permit re-inspection and loan re-inspection.
- Well & Septic Variance: For proposed well/septic installations that cannot meet all state/county codes to apply for a petition. (Please note, approvals are subject to review and are not guaranteed.) You may need additional information to submit your variance applications. Please contact Todd Marshall at 815-720-4118)
- Plat Review: For review of lot sizes for proposed new subdivisions where public water or sewer are not available.
- Waste Hauler: For businesses operating refuse hauling vehicles in or through Winnebago County (i.e. residential garbage, construction waste, etc.).
Food & Beverage Permits and Inspections
- Food & Beverage Establishment Permit Renewal: Renewal of existing food & beverage establishment permit. (Please contact WCHD if change of owner or new establishment.)
- Mobile Food Vendor Permit: For mobile food vendors. If using a commissary under different ownership, the second page must also be completed and submitted with the application.
- Food & Beverage Establishment Plan Review: When constructing, remodeling, or converting any new or existing food or beverage establishment.
- Food Establishment Inspection Request For change of ownership or to re-open a facility that has been closed.
- Event Organizer: Primary contact for organizer of events with more than one food vendor.
- Special Event Permit: For temporary food/beverage vendors who do not have access to use a permitted food & beverage facility kitchen.
- Temporary Food Establishment Permit: For temporary food/beverage vendors who have access to a permitted food & beverage facility kitchen.
- Food & Beverage Establishment Variance: For food & beverage establishments that cannot meet all state/county codes to apply for a petition. (Please note, approvals are subject to review and are not guaranteed.)
- Cottage Foods/Home-to-Market Operator Registration: For entrepreneurs to bring their home goods to market. (Please note, approvals are subject to review and are not guaranteed.)
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