DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Please note that as of August 1, 2025 licensing fees have changed and late fees will be charged.

 

The Division of Environmental Health has three bureaus that investigate threats to public health according to state and federal standards.

  • The Bureau of Investigations and Inspections

Public health investigators respond to unsanitary home complaints related to vermin, raw sewage, improper garbage and other environmentally unhealthy conditions.

Registered Environmental Health Specialists inspect and classify retail business establishments ensuring that sanitary conditions are met. 

  • The Bureau of Healthy Homes

Tests children's blood lead levels and inspects and assesses homes for lead surfaces.

  • The Bureau of Licensing

Registers and licenses certain businesses for operation to meet health, safety and sanitary conditions.

For specific types of licenses and requirements for each, please see the dropdown menu below.

BUREAU OF LICENSING

FIRST TIME BUSINESSES MUST MEET WITH THE BUREAU OF LICENSING IN PERSON. Walk-ins are welcome.

Documents needed at your meeting to apply for a pre-operational inspection:

After documents are approved, a pre-operational inspection will be scheduled.

Once inspection results in a satisfactory rating, a return visit is necessary to obtain the license to operate the business.

The following types of businesses must be licensed:

  • Animal Care
  • Body Art
  • Cosmetology
  • Childcare centers
  • Dry Cleaners and Laundromats
  • Mobile Food Vendors
  • Retail Food Establishments (permanent and temporary)
  • Vending Machines

If you are already a licensed business, Click here to renew licenses for all above listed licenses.

View or download the comprehensive list of businesses types and fees.

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)
REPORT A CONCERN
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.

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