The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) processes and assists with various permits and licenses for St. Mary’s County residents – Explore below by topic.
Food Facility Licensing
SMCHD’s Food Safety Program works to protect St. Mary’s County residents and visitors from foodborne illnesses by working with local food service facilities to ensure safe food handling and preparation practices. SMCHD monitors and issues licenses to all permanent, seasonal, and temporary food service facilities in the county. The health department has primary jurisdiction that extends also to the construction, renovation, and remodeling of food service facilities. Learn more here!
Sewage Sludge Land Program
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is responsible for the permitting of sewage sludge land applications. SMCHD assists MDE by performing supplemental, but not exclusive, inspections of sludge use. Learn more here!
Campground Inspection
The Environmental Health Division is responsible for completing annual inspections, issuing permits, and investigating complaints for all campgrounds in St. Mary’s County. Learn more here!
Daycare Inspection
This program supports the agencies that regulate and permit licensed and family day care facilities, foster care homes, alternatives for youth homes, adoption applicants, and adult foster care homes. Learn more here!
Public Swimming Pools Program
Public pools and spas must submit an application for a permit every year, request a pre-opening inspection, and then receive routine inspections and water chemistry testing. New pool and spa facilities or facilities undergoing remodeling must have their plans reviewed and approved by the Maryland Department of Health Division of Community Services before they may construct or remodel. Learn more here!
Building Permit Process
SMCHD approves building permit site plan requests for new construction only. This is mainly associated with the on-site sewage disposal system, perc testing, and the well inspection. Learn more here!
Well Certification Program
The Well Certification Program certifies the potability of all residential drinking water wells, both for new construction and for the replacement of existing wells. Learn more here!
On-Site Septic System
The Environmental Health Division receives applications for the construction or expansion of individual septic systems. When a septic system fails, SMCHD staff also reviews applications for repairs. Learn more here!
Outdoor Music Festival Site
According to the Code of Maryland Regulations, a permit is required if 1,000 or more spectators are expected to be in attendance for outdoor music festivals. The Environmental Health Division evaluates outdoor music festival site plans and determines if a permit may be issued. Learn more here!