Environmental Health, Permits & Restaurants

Environmental Health Services in Yates County 

The Public Health Department works closely with our regional New York State Department of Health District Office located in Geneva to address environmental concerns, with the District Office being the lead agency. The Geneva District Office delivers environmental health services by identifying, investigating and resolving actual and potential health hazards caused by environmental factors.  The District Office enforces regulations that protect the public's health, safety, and environment. 

Some of the responsibilities of the District Office are:

  • Inspection of restaurants, hotels, motels, and fairgrounds
  • Inspection and regulation of summer camps, public pools, public beaches, and public water supply
  • Review of applications for water systems
  • Collaboration with local health departments during outbreaks of food and water borne illnesses
  • Issuing permits for food vendors
  • Home inspections of children with elevated lead levels

Who to contact for assistance:

To discuss your concerns about environmental hazards or restaurant safety, contact:
Geneva District Office
New York State Dept. of Health
624 PreEmption Road Geneva, NY 14456
315-789-3030
New York State Department of Environmental Health

To discuss your concerns about apartment building or rental property, contact your town or village code enforcement officer.

To discuss your concerns about supermarkets or grocery stores, contact:
New York State Department of Agriculture

To discuss your concerns about a possible spill or chemical pollution, contact:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Restaurant & Food Safety 

Public Health often receives questions about restaurants and food safety. Food can cause illness in a variety of ways.  Sick food handlers, improper food storage, and failure to keep food preparations areas clean can lead to food borne illnesses. If you are concerned you became ill as a result of eating at a particular restaurant or community event, first seek medical care and contact the restaurant or event organizer. Next, contact the NYS Department of Health Geneva District Office at 315-789-3030.

Helpful Resources for Food Establishments:

(Last updated 5/17/2023)