Environmental Health

Food Service (FS) Program

The objective of the Food Service Program is to provide safe, wholesome food service for all residents and to prevent food-borne illness; these goals are accomplished through a series of inspections. The number of yearly inspections is directly related to the type of license issued to each establishment. In turn, that license is directly related to the type of food served, and how it is prepared (see the License Fee Schedule).

All city locations meeting the definition of "food service" delineated in the Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3717 are inspected at least one to three times per year, based on their risk classification.

Examples of food service facilities include, but are not limited to: commercial and non-commercial restaurants, bars, schools, catering operations, hospitals, day care centers, jails, prisons, vending machine locations, mobile food units, and temporary locations.

FS operations must submit plans and be approved before commencing operations. Consultations and education are provided to local businesses. Complaints of food borne illnesses are Investigated and resolved. For further information, please contact the program supervisor at (330) 841-2611.

Food Establishment (FE) Program

The objective of the Food Establishment Program is also to provide safe, wholesome food, and to prevent food borne illness. This is also accomplished through a series of inspections. The license issued is directly related to the size of the facility (see the License Fee Schedule).

All City locations meeting the definition of "retail food establishment" as delineated in the local Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3717, are inspected at least once annually.

Examples of food establishment facilities include, but are not limited to: commercial grocery stores, bars, gas stations, convenience stores, drug stores, jails, temporary locations, and any other facility selling pre-packaged food products.

FE operations must submit plans and be approved before commencing operations. Consultations and education are provided to local businesses. Complaints of food borne illnesses are Investigated and resolved. For further information, please contact the program supervisor at (330) 841-2611.

The objective of tattoo establishment inspections is to provide the public with safe and sanitary tattoo and piercing services.

Upon application of a party who desires to establish a Tattoo or Piercing business within the Health District, a Registered Sanitarian must perform a pre-opening inspection of the site, equipment, type of supplies to be used, ensure proper forms are available for clients to complete, etc. Persons applying tattoos or piercing must also be licensed to operate within the State of Ohio.

Adequate training in sanitary practices, first aid, sterilization of tattoo or piercing instruments, record keeping, etc., must be completed and maintained by the tattoo or piercing site manager and/or owner.

After a business is approved and properly licensed, inspections are conducted, a minimum of one time yearly, to ensure that all employees are following Ohio Revised Code (ORC 3730.01 through 3730.11), and Ohio Administrative Code (OAC 3701 through 3709) stipulations.

Citizen complaints regarding tattoo or piercing facilities within the Health District are investigated and proper action taken. Minors cannot obtain a tattoo or piercing without parental permission, and a tattoo or piercing may not be applied to a minor without a parent present at the time of the application.

Please see the License Fee Schedule for specific costs.

This program is administered by the Health District for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, specifically applicable portions of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3734. The Health District, through its inspection program, ensures compliance with all OEPA regulations.

Within the City are two infectious waste facilities, one commercial licensed facility owned by Browning Ferris, Inc., the other a non-commercial facility located at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.

Infectious waste is defined as "cultures and stocks of infectious agents, including, without limitation, specimen cultures, wastes from production of biological, discarded live and attenuated vaccines; pathological wastes such as human and animal tissues, organs, body parts, body fluids; waste material from the rooms of humans or animals, that have been isolated because of diagnosed communicable disease that are likely to transmit infectious agents; contaminated carcasses exposed to infectious agents; sharp waste used in the treatment or inoculation of humans or animals that likely have come in contact with infectious agents, etc."

The hospital facility only services their own in-house needs and does not accept waste from any other source, thus it is not required to be licensed but must comply with all regulations.The BFI facility is a licensed site and receives commercial infectious waste from facilities throughout the area, including medical waste, syringes, soiled operating room material, as described above at its facility on Pine Avenue S.E. The material received is either autoclaved, incinerated, or both, depending on the material. The remaining material, from either process, is then shipped to a Solid Waste Facility.

At any reasonable time, the Health District may enter any public or private property to inspect, investigate, obtain samples, and examine or copy records to determine compliance with the Ohio Revised Code.The Health District is required to inspect both licensed and non-licensed exempt facilities on a quarterly basis.

The Environmental Health division provides the following in accordance with the City Ordinances. To view these sections, please access the Codified Ordinances of the City of Warren online. 

• Section 1367.11: Condemnation Proceedings. Dwelling units throughout the City that are considered "unfit for human habitation" can be condemned by this division. If this occurs, all inhabitants must vacate the property until it is brought up to code, inspected, and approved for habitation.
• Chapter 1729: Rabies Control. All medical offices, hospitals, and private citizens are required to report animal bites to the Health District. An investigation begins to protect the person bitten for the possibility of rabies. All dogs, cats, and ferrets are required to be vaccinated for rabies.
• Section 351.14: Storing Unlicensed Or Inoperable Motor Vehicles. All vehicles parked on residential property, which are inoperable or are not properly registered, will be tagged and towed within 72 hours if the owner has not corrected the problem.
• Section 752.02: Massage Establishment. Those non-medical facilities without an Ohio License are inspected on an annual basis, and both the facility and masseuse are licensed locally.
• Section 923.05: Septic Tank Requirements. Those businesses who install or clean septic systems within the City are subject to license.
• Chapter 723: Garage Sales. Regulations, fees, etc. regarding holding sales on private, non-commercial property.

The Environmental Health division also provides the following services:

• Lead Paint Programs. Several different types of inspections are offered, including Lead Risk Inspections and Assessments, Lead Inspections, Lead Risk Assessments, and Potential Lead Hazard Evaluations may be completed upon request.
• Liquor Permit Transfers. All businesses with an active Liquor License are evaluated upon license renewal by the Health District and other City Departments. Final report to Warren City Council.
• Swimming Pool Program. Inspections of all Public Swimming Pools are conducted annually, during the operational season. All public pools must hold an active license.

Rental Property Agreement

The City of Warren considers all residential property where the owner does not occupy the dwelling "rental property." This means that the owner of said dwelling is required to hold a Dwelling Permit, and have each separate living unit inspected by the Health District with noted violations corrected within a reasonable time frame.

City of Warren Housing Code

The City of Warren Housing Code details Environmental Health guidelines that apply to rental property, and describes how these are enforced once violations are discovered.

To view the City of Warren Housing Code, please access the Codified Ordinances of the City of Warren online. 

Relevant sections of the Housing Code are outlined below for your convenience:

Chapter 1365: Definitions. Lists definitions that apply in the interpretation of the Housing Code.

Chapter 1367: Administration and Enforcement

• Section 1367.01: Inspection. Lists reasons why the Health Official has right of entry for inspection.
• Section 1367.02: Notice of violation. Notification procedure.
• Section 1367.04: Request for hearing. How an owner applies for an appeal of orders served.
• Section 1367.05:  Hearing. Hearing procedure.
• Section 1367.06: Record of hearing. Record of hearing is kept as a public record.
• Section 1367.07: Failure to request hearing. Ramifications of failing to appeal within ten days.
• Section 1367.08: Action during emergency. Rights of the health official in emergency situations.
• Section 1367.09: Housing Board of Appeals. Who serves as the Housing Board of Appeals.
• Section 1367.10: Dwelling Permit. Fees required for Dwelling Permits.
• Section 1367.11: Condemnation proceedings. Reasons for condemnation.
• Section 1367.12:Public nuisance; general. Condemned dwellings as a public nuisance.
• Section 1367.13: Public nuisance; specific statutory. Conditions constituting a public nuisance.
• Section 1367.14: Notice and procedure. Public nuisance notification.
• Section 1367.15: Optional procedure. Direct filing with the Court of common Pleas.
• Section 1367.16: Service of notice. Procedures on how service to owner is accomplished.
• Section 1367.17: Abatement and duty to vacate premises. Vacate property if not abated.
• Section 1367.18: Illegal occupancy of a public nuisance.
• Section 1367.19: Unauthorized entry upon nuisance property. Prohibiting entry by owner.
• Section 1367.20: Approved materials and equipment. Materials used approved by Health.
• Section 1367.21: Modifications. Spirit of the law modification.
• Section 1367.99: Penalty. Five hundred dollars per day, each offense separate.

Chapter 1368: Vacant Dwelling Premises Sanitation

• Section 1368.01: Vacant dwellings required to be secured. Boarding of unit, specifics.
• Section 1368.02: Premises sanitation. All areas free of waste materials.
• Section 1368.03: Vacant dwellings required to be secured. Boarding of unit, specifics.
• Section 1368.04: Extermination of pests. Preventing infestations of vacant structures.
• Section 1368.05: Weeds. Removing grass, brush, noxious weeds, etc.
• Section 1368.99: Penalty. See Section 1367.99.

Chapter 1369: Sanitary Equipment and Facilities

• Section 1369.01: Conformity required. All requirements must be adhered to.
• Section 1369.02: Kitchen sinks required.
• Section 1369.03: Bathroom facilities.
• Section 1369.04: Sharing bathrooms prohibited.
• Section 1369.05: Hot and cold water.
• Section 1369.06: Water-heating facilities.
• Section 1369.07: Water service. All dwelling units MUST have water supplied to the structure.
• Section 1369.08: Utilities. Owner cannot discontinue service to occupied units.
• Section 1369.99: Penalty. See Section 1367.99.

Chapter 1371: Light, Ventilation and Heating Standards

• Section 1371.01: Conformity required. All requirements must be adhered to.
• Section 1371.02: Windows or ventilation systems. Window size & need for ventilation.
• Section 1371.03: Light and ventilation of bathrooms.
• Section 1371.04: Heating facilities required.
• Section 1371.05: Electrical and service equipment. Service, GFI's, wall switches & plugs etc.
• Section 1371.06: Lighting halls and stairs.
• Section 1371.07: Screens required. Where deemed necessary by the Health Official.
• Section 1371.08: Screening basement windows. Basement windows for rodent prevention.
• Section 1371.99: Penalty. See Section 1367.99.

Chapter 1373: Space, Use and Location Requirements

• Section 1373.01: Conformity required. All requirements must be adhered to.
• Section 1373.02: Floor space required. Specific space requirements per person.
• Section 1373.03: Sleeping rooms. Specific space requirements per person.
• Section 1373.04: Ceiling heights. Specific height requirements per room.
• Section 1373.05: Living in basement or cellar. Specific requirements for approval.
• Section 1373.06: Access to unit in multiple unit dwelling.
• Section 1373.99: Penalty. See Section 1367.99.

Chapter 1375: Safe and Sanitary Maintenance of Dwelling Units

• Section 1375.01: Conformity required. All requirements must be adhered to.
• Section 1375.02: Requirements of structure. Watertight, waterproof, roof, exterior, gutters, etc.
• Section 1375.03: Windows, doors and hatchways. Number and specifications.
• Section 1375.04: Stairs, porches, and appurtenances. Specifications.
• Section 1375.05: Plumbing, water and waste fixtures. Condition and reference to plumbing code.
• Section 1375.06: Floor surfaces. Type and specifications.
• Section 1375.07: Discontinuing services. All service requirements must be maintained.
• Section 1375.08: Smoke alarms required. Three or more units; alarms must be hard wired.
• Section 1375.09: Gutters and downspouts. Constructed and maintained.
• Section 1375.10: Kitchen cabinets. Condition, securely fastened, doors.
• Section 1375.11: Exterior surfaces. Maintenance and covering.
• Section 1375.12: Lead paint. No paint used shall contain lead pigments.
• Section 1375.99: Penalty. See Section 1367.99.

Chapter 1376: Condition of Outbuildings. Surfaces, maintenance and protection.

Chapter 1377: Sanitation Requirements

• Section 1377.01: Responsibility of owner. Adequate refuse and disposal facilities, type, etc.
• Section 1377.02: Responsibility of occupants. Proper disposal of refuse.
• Section 1377.03: Keep dwelling clean. Cleanliness of dwelling.
• Section 1377.04: Maintenance of plumbing fixtures. Sanitary condition, proper care.
• Section 1377.05: Installation of facilities, equipment or utilities.
• Section 1377.06: Extermination of pests. Single units, occupant, multi-unit owner's responsibility.
• Section 1377.99: Penalty. See Section 1367.99.

Chapter 1379: Guest Establishment Regulations

• Section 1379.01: Permit required; display. Operator of rooming unit, motel, etc. must have permit.
• Section 1379.02: Permit issuance. Building Official and Fire Chief must also approve.
• Section 1379.03: Fees; late fees; penalties.
• Section 1379.04: Permit nontransferable; transfer of ownership. Notification required.
• Section 1379.05: Denial of permit. Denial in writing, appeal request.
• Section 1379.06: Hearing. Before the board of Health.
• Section 1379.07: Service of notice; ceasing operation. Vacate if violations are not corrected.
• Section 1379.08: Request or failure to request hearing. Ten day window for request.
• Section 1379.09: Bathroom facilities. Requirements, number of, type, etc.
• Section 1379.10: Required floor space. Square feet per person stipulations.
• Section 1379.11: Method of egress. Safe and unobstructed means of egress.
• Section 1379.12: Sanitary conditions. Dwelling, structure, bedding, towels.
• Section 1379.13: Application of code. Type of structures included for regulation.
• Section 1379.14: Sleeping room doorways. Capable of opening, closing, securing, etc.
• Section 1379.99: Penalty. See Section 1367.99.

Both private and public primary and secondary schools are required to be inspected, on a semi-annual basis, by The Ohio Revised Code, Section 3707.26. This program is employed to ensure that necessary and routine maintenance programs are implemented and upgraded. In addition, safety issues are addressed as soon as possible to provide a safe, clean, and healthy environment that is conducive to creating an atmosphere for the greatest degree of academic achievement and standards.

Areas of inspection include, but are not limited to: classroom conditions, lighting standards, water supply, toilet and locker room facilities, ventilation systems, kitchen areas, playground equipment, swimming pools, insect and rodent control, accident prevention, condition and operation of windows and doors, traffic safety, stairwells and halls, fire exits and equipment, etc.

Environmental Health Fee Schedule

The following permits and/or licenses are sold through the Health District. This information will be helpful in determining the need for specific licenses and/or permits, explain costs, etc.

To view the following sections, please access the Codified Ordinances of the City of Warren online. 

• Chapter 723: Garage Sales. Three day maximum, one per year, $3.00.
• Chapter 725: Going Out Of Business Sales, Jewelry Stores.
• Chapter 726: Going Out Of Business Sales, All Others.
• Chapter 729: Mechanical Amusement Device. Pool tables, games, etc.
• Chapter 735: Peddlers. Door to door solicitation, $100.00 per year, plus $10.00 per sales representative.
• Section 735.14: Flea Markets. $250.00 per year.
• Chapter 745: Taxicabs. Drivers $20.00, Company $100.00 plus vehicle stipulations. Franchise licenses available.
• Chapter 752: Massage Establishments. Ohio Licensed Medical personnel are exempt.

For food service and tattoo licensing fees and inspections, please see the following tables.

Food - Commercial Class Licenses and Fees

Category	Local Fee	State Amount	Total
Class I Risk < 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$187.00	$28.00	$215.00
lass II Risk, < 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$212.00	$28.00	$240.00
Class III Risk, < 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$412.00	$28.00	$440.00
Class IV Risk, < 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$524.00	$28.00	$552.00
Class I Risk, > 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$274.00	$28.00	$302.00
Class II Risk, > 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$289.00	$28.00	$317.00
Class III Risk, > 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$1,043.00	$28.00	$1,071.00
Class IV Risk, > 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$1,107.00	$28.00	$1,135.00
Food Service, Water Sample			$15.00
Food Service, Plan Review			35% of license fee

Food - Non-Commercial Class Licenses and Fees

Category	Local Fee	State Amount	Total
Class I Risk, < 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$93.50	$14.00	$107.50
Class II Risk, < 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$106.00	$14.00	$120.00
Class III Risk, < 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$206.00	$14.00	$220.00
Class IV Risk, < 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$262.00	$14.00	$276.00
Class I Risk, > 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$137.00	$14.00	$151.00
Class II Risk, > 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$144.50	$14.00	$158.50
Class III Risk, > 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$521.50	$14.00	$535.50
Class IV Risk, > 25,000 Sq. Ft.	$553.50	$14.00	$567.50
Mobile (High-Risk)	$111.50	$28.00	$139.50
Low-Risk Mobile	$55.75	$28.00	$83.75
Vending	$22.31	$6.00	$28.31
Temporary, Per Day	$35.00	$0.00	$35.00
Temporary, Per Day (Nonprofit)	$17.50	$0.00	$17.50

Other Licenses and Fees

Category	Fee
Tattoo Establishment License	$150.00
Piercing Establishment License	$150.00
Tattoo Specialist License	$50.00
Piercing Specialist License	$50.00

The objective of the Warren City Health District’s Mosquito Surveillance Program is to address public health concerns by monitoring the spread of vector borne diseases. Nearly everyone has been bitten by a mosquito at some point throughout their life, which puts them at risk for a mosquito-borne disease, like West Nile Virus, Dengue, or Malaria. Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) at Warren City Health District will investigate residents’ complaints of mosquitos and/or standing, stagnant water which may act as a potential mosquito breeding site. Upon investigation, REHS will determine the appropriate control method necessary. The goal of this program is to reduce the public’s exposure to mosquitos that may carry diseases and encourage, safe control methods.

More information on preventing mosquito bites:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/media/stopmosquitoes.html

For information about the latest Mosquito Fogging in the city, CLICK HERE.

The objective of the Weed and High Grass Control Program is to ensure the adequate protection of Health District constituents through a systematic reporting and abatement program.

This consists of departmental inspections and an ongoing complaint procedure to document discrepancies. This program is staffed with part-time weed control personnel supervised by a district sanitarian.

Those lots requiring maintenance, both city and private, are ordered cut by the owner in accordance with Codified Ordinances 1368.05: Weeds, and 521.16: Noxious Weeds; Required Cutting; Tax Lien. To view these regulations, please access the Codified Ordinances of the City of Warren online. 

Failure to cut within the prescribed time period will result in the Health District crews cutting the lot and billing the owner at the rate of $105.00 per hour. Failure to pay within thirty (30) days results in a property lien.

In addition, any complaints involving intersections are considered a high priority and cut within twenty-four (24) hours.

This program is administered by the Health District for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, specifically Ohio Revised Code Chapters 3734 and 3745. The Health District, through it's inspection program, ensures compliance with all OEPA. stipulations.

Within the city are two solid waste facilities, both owned by the same company and located at the same site. Warren Recycling, Inc. operates a Solid Waste Transfer Station, and a Construction and Demolition Debris landfill.

Solid Waste is defined as "unwanted residual solid or semisolid material as results from industrial, commercial, agricultural, and community operations, excluding earth or material from construction, mining, or demolition operations, and other substances that include, but are not limited to, garbage, scrap tires, combustible and noncombustible material, street dirt and debris, etc."

The Transfer Station receives commercial and residential solid waste, as described above, at its facility on Martin Luther King Avenue, places the solid waste into large trucks, and transfers it to OEPA approved landfills.

The Construction and Demolition Debris facility operates a landfill at the Martin Luther King Avenue site. It receives only certified construction and demolition debris, which includes commercial and residential building debris. No solid waste is allowed to be placed in this landfill.

The Solid Waste Program also includes inspections involving the illegal dumping or storage of tires, garbage, combustible and noncombustible material, and debris through the City. Solid waste does not include any material such as "infectious waste" or "hazardous waste" as defined in the Ohio Revised Code.

The Health District accepts general nuisance complaints from the public. The complainant must provide specific information regarding the complaint, including but not limited to: the exact location of the problem, the owner of the problem if applicable, details of the situation, and their name, address and telephone number in case we need to contact them. The personal information (name address, telephone) given is not passed on to anyone other than a court of jurisdiction when the Judge would request that information.

Complaints accepted include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following as detailed in the City Ordinances. To view these sections, please access the Codified Ordinances of the City of Warren online. 

• Section 505.14: Animals and fowl. Prohibiting harboring of certain animals within the city.
• Section 521.08: Littering and deposit of garbage, rubbish, junk, etc.
• Section 521.01: Abandoned refrigerator and airtight containers. Placement, doors & lids, safety issues.
• Section 521.09: Noxious or offensive odors. Causing noxious exhalations prohibited.
• Section 521.15: Rats and vermin. Maintaining infestations prohibited.
• Section 521.17: Litter and garbage; removal required; tax lien. No one shall allow litter to be placed, collected, or remain on lands throughout the city.

Section 501.99: Penalty. Penalties for the violation of any Chapter 521 Ordinances.
Notices may be served and charges files for failure to comply with orders relating to these offenses.

Vacant or Foreclosed Property Registration Forms
All foreclosure notices shall be reported to the Health District as stated in Codified Ordinance 1367.22 on the Vacant /foreclosure registration form, with an additional $60.00 foreclosure fee for the initial inspection. The vacant/foreclosure registration fee and bond is specified in Chapter 1338 of the Codified Ordinances. This includes registration and the required bond.

To view the sections referred to above, please access the Codified Ordinances of the City of Warren online. 

• View the Foreclosure Bond Form
• View the Bond Foreclosure Release of Balance Form
• View the Vacant Property Registration Form
• View the W-9 Form