• Food Establishment Scores
• Vector Control Program
• Food Establishment Permit / Plan Review Application (PDF)
• Food Manager Registration Application (PDF)
• Requirements for New or Remodeled Food Establishment (PDF)
• Childcare Permit Application (PDF)
• Childcare Permit Procedure (PDF)
• Swimming Pool / Spa Permit Application (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Links 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do Environmental Health Specialist do and why are they important?
 
A. Environmental Health Specialst are:

• State of Texas Registered Sanitarians
• State of Texas Registered Code Enforcement Officers
• National Certified Pool Operators
• State of Texas Food Protection Managers

They primarily inspect and monitor :

• food establishments 
• child care facilities 
• pools and spas
• nursing homes

Food Establishments

Q. How often are restaurants and other food establishments inspected?
 
A.  Food establishments are divided into Risk Levels (categories), which determine how frequently they are inspected. 

Q. What do inspectors look for in a food establishment inspection?
 
A. Food establishment inspections are conducted to prevent unsanitary conditions or practices that may contribute to food contamination and food-borne illnesses.

Q. What are some examples of violations found during food establishments inspections?
 
A. Examples of violations found in some food establishments are:

• Improper food holding

• Improper cooking or cooling temperatures

• Improper food preparation practices

• Poor hygiene practices by food establishment staff

• Damaged or non-working equipment

• Damaged or non-working food preparation surfaces

• Utensils that do not work

• Insect or rodent infestation

• Generally unclean conditions

Q. How are permits issued by Environmental Health? 
 
A. Permits are issued annually for:

• Food establishments
  -Permanent
  -Temporary Event
  -Mobile Units

• Childcare facilities
  -Home
  -Commercial

• Pools and spas

• Nursing homes

Child Care

Q. How often are childcare facilities inspected?
 
A. A minimum of two times a year.

Q. What do childcare inspectors look for in their inspections?
 
A. Childcare facilities are inspected twice a year to protect the health and safety of children. Inspection may include, but is not limited to:

• Health/Immunization records

• Emergency care forms

• Enrollment forms

• Playground equipment 

• Storage of potentially toxic items 

• Identification and elimination of other potential hazards

• Food preparation areas

• Child/staff ratios 

• General sanitary conditions

Q. What do I need to begin keeping children in my home?

A. You must acquire a permit through the City of Irving Public Health and Environmental Services Department.

Q. What are some of the requirements to receive a child-care permit?

A.

• Each daycare provider must be licensed, registered, or listed with Child Protective Services. (see procedures for Childcare Permits.)

• Applicants must complete an application for a city permit.The fee is $50 for a home permit or $50 and then $1 per child the State allows for a commercial permit.

Additional requirements are available at the Environmental Health Department Service Desk.

When these requirements are met the applicant may schedule an initial inspection to be conducted prior to issuance of a permit.  Following the initial inspection, unannounced inspections will occur.

Pools & Spas

Q. Does the city require all pools/spas/hot tubs to have a annual permit?

A.

• Only semi-private and public pools or spas require an annual permit.

• Pool/spa annual permits are not required for private residences.

Q. How much time is allowed for owners, managers or operators to make corrections after an inspection?
 
A. Environmental health specialist give business operators different time frames to correct violations based on the type of violation.

Q. How long before an specialist will be in the field to investigate my complaint?
 
A. Normally complaints are investigated within two business days.
 
Q. How can I get more information on Environmental Health Inspections?
 
A. Call 972.721.2346 or you can email the Environmental Health Supervisor - dhammond@cityofirving.org 

Links

Food Establishments
- City of Irving Municipal Code-Chapter 18
- Department of State Health Services- Food Establishments

Childcare
- City of Irving Municipal Code-Chapter 13
- State Minimum Standards for Childcare Centers
- State Minimum Standards for Childcare Homes

Pools and Spas
- City of Irving Municipal Code-Chapter 36
- Department of State Health Services- Public Pools and Spas