Human Services
Permits and Licenses Issued by the Department of Human Services
Food Establishment Licenses
The construction and operation of all food establishments in Arlington County must comply with Chapter 9.2, Food and Food Handling Code of the Arlington County Code. Plans for new or remodeled establishments must be submitted for review prior to construction. The owner, or his agent, shall submit seven sets of plans to Inspection Services Division, Arlington County Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 1000 (10th floor). Building Services (703-228-3800) will forward a copy of the plans to the Environmental Health Bureau. The Environmental Health Bureau charges a $200 plan review fee. You may view the Restaurant Construction Guidelines online at this site.
A Health License is required for new food establishments or whenever there is a change of ownership, and the license must be renewed annually. An application processing fee of $100, made payable to Arlington County Treasurer, must accompany the license application and should be mailed or delivered to the Environmental Health Bureau at 800 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22204.
Applications are available from the Environmental Health Office, or you may download the application here.
All food establishments must have a Certified Food Manager on site during hours of operation. One may become a Certified Food Manager by passing a nationally recognized test and obtaining a Northern Virginia Food Manager's picture identification card at ORS Interactive.
For more information on safe food, visit the Northern Virginia Alliance for Safe Food website.
Hotel and Motel Establishment Permits
Tourist establishments such as hotels and motels are inspected to determine compliance with health and safety laws governed by Commonwealth of Virginia Rules and Regulations, and to initiate enforcement procedures when necessary. Permits are issued annually for the lodging facility. Additional permits may be issued for on site restaurants, continental breakfasts, swimming pools and spas.
A Health License is required for new tourist establishments or whenever there is a change of ownership, and the license must be renewed annually. An application processing fee of $100, made payable to Arlington County Treasurer, must accompany the license application and should be mailed or delivered to the Environmental Health Bureau at 800 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22201.
Applications are available from the Environmental Health Office, or you may download the application here.
Massage Therapist Licenses
Permit applications and renewals for Massage Therapists may be obtained in person at the Arlington County Department of Human Services, Environmental Health Office, 800 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22204, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. You may call 703-228-7400 to request that the be mailed to you. Click here to download application.
Applicants are required to bring the following items to the Department of Human Services at the address given above:
- A completed Massage Therapist application signed by the applicant and notarized;
- Cash or certified check or money order (made payable to Treasurer, Arlington County) for $50 to cover the initial investigation fee, or $20 for renewals;
- The physician certification form signed by a medical doctor stating that he or she has examined the applicant within 30 days of the application date and has found the applicant to be free of any identifiable disease which would create a significant medical risk to the massage subject;
- A diploma or certificate of graduation from a recognized school or other recognized institution of learning that has as its purpose the teaching of the theory, method, profession, and work of massage therapists NOTE: if the school from which you received a diploma or certificate is not on the AMTA list (this list is attached to the Permit Application), you must submit the following information:
- Transcripts that show the total number of hours for which you received training in massage therapy
- The address, phone number, and name of the Director of the school
- Two front facing photographs, passport size, taken within 90 days of the application date;
- A copy of the State of Virginia Certification to practice as a Massage Therapist (note that a State Massage Therapist License is prerequisite for an Arlington County license). To obtain the State Application for Certification, including Virginia State Board of Nursing Regulations governing certification of massage therapists, contact the Arlington County Environmental Health offices at the address above.
- FBI Record Check- Fingerprints may be obtained from the Arlington County Sheriff's Department, 1425 North Courthouse Road, 9th Floor, between the hours of 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Fee for fingerprints is $10 for first card; $5 for each additional card. If you have any questions regarding the fingerprint process, please contact the department at (703) 228-4460. Please note that the FBI record check can take 12 weeks or longer to process.
A Massage Therapist Permit will be issued within 30 days after the Department of Human Services has received all the necessary documentation, including the FBI Record Check, and staff have verified that all conditions of Chapter 49 of the Arlington County Code are met. Massage therapy licenses must be renewed every two years from the date of expiration. Please obtain and submit thirty (30) days prior to the day of expiration a completed renewal application form along with required information and documentation.
Mobile Food Unit and Vendor Licenses
The Guidelines for Itinerant Vendors contains complete regulations pertaining to vending in Arlington County and are available online here in PDF format. Or, obtain a copy of these Guidelines from the Environmental Health Bureau of the Department of Human Services, at 800 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, or by calling 703-228-7400. In brief, vendors require a peddler's/itinerant merchant's license; and mobile food units must complete a license application and a depot letter (both available online). These are renewable annually in June. See the Guidelines for complete details about the application and licensing process, or request an application and depot letter from the Environmental Health Bureau (703-228-7400).
Swimming Pool Licenses
The construction and operation of public swimming pools and spas in Arlington County must comply with Chapter 24.1, Water Recreation Facilities Ordinance , of the Arlington County Code. Plans for new or remodeled establishments must be submitted for review prior to construction. The owner, or his agent, shall submit seven sets of plans to Building Inspection Services, Arlington County Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 804. Building Services (703-228-3800) will forward a copy of the plans to the Environmental Health Bureau. The Environmental Health Bureau charges a $160 plan review fee.
A Health License is required for new swimming pools or whenever there is a change of ownership and the license must be renewed annually. Each swimming pool license application must be accompanied by a pool electrical certification, completed by a Master Electrician, and an application-processing fee of $400 for year-round pools, $200 for seasonal pools, and $100 for each additional body of water. The checks should be made payable to Arlington County Treasurer and mailed or delivered to the Environmental Health Bureau, 800 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22204.
All swimming pools must have a certified life guard and person in charge on site during all hours of pool operation. The person in charge shall be able to demonstrate his/her skills in the areas of water chemistry, hydraulics, microbiology and other relevant areas related to the safe operation of public swimming pools and public spas.
Follow CDC Guidelines to ensure that you have a healthy swimming experience each and every time: Healthy Swimming - English or Healthy Swimming - Spanish
Temporary Food Licenses
The Environmental Health Bureau of the Department of Human Services issues Temporary Food Licenses for special events such as fairs and festivals where food will be prepared or served. Contact the Environmental Health Bureau at 703-228-7400 to obtain a copy of the Temporary Food service Application packet, or you may download the application packet. Each food vendor must submit an application and the $100 application processing fee at least 10 days prior to the date of the event.
ON THIS PAGE
Food Establishment Licenses
Hotel and Motel Establishment Permits
Massage Therapy Permits
Mobile Food Unit and Vendor Licenses
Swimming Pool Licenses
Temporary Food License
