WHAT WE DO
The Bureau of Health of the City of Lancaster carries out administration and operational functions required under numerous health related acts and regulations. The overriding goal is to maintain and improve the health and well-being of all Lancaster City Residents.
The Bureau of Health inspects eateries, mobile food trucks, tattoo businesses and other public facilities to ensure compliance with State health and food safety standards and work with other organizations such as Lancaster General Health on initiatives designed to improve the overall health of our community.
FOOD
The Health Bureau’s responsibilities include restaurant, convenience store, market, farmer’s market, mobile food facilities, schools, childcare facility inspections and any other food service operation selling or giving away food to the public. Health Officers may respond to complaints and cases of food-borne illnesses and work in conjunction with PA Department of Agriculture in the event of a food-borne illness outbreak. Health Officers are responsible for licensing of food facilities.
MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES
Health Officers play an important role in dissemination educational materials to the community regarding West Nile Virus and treatment of mosquito complaints in public areas.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Health Officers are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities to provide education to residents. This is achieved by disseminating materials produced by local, state and national partners, and on a one-to-one basis sharing our expertise with city residents educating them about environmental health issues and needs.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUISANCES
Health officers conduct sanitary inspections into complaints and nuisances that may endanger public health. Examples include insects, garbage, rodents, and unsanitary living conditions to name a few.
LEAD
Health Officers conduct elevated blood lead level enforcement investigations reported to the City.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
Health Officers may be called upon to assist the PDH/PDA as requested during disease outbreaks. A primary role is to assist in disseminating educational materials in the City.
TATTOO/BODY PIERCING/SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION
Health Officers are responsible to inspect and license and these studios for compliance.
BEE KEEPING
Beekeepers in the City are required to have their hives licensed every two years.
VECTOR CONTROL
Health Officers provide vector control in public areas. They may also respond to complaints regarding insects and animals that may cause environmental and health issues.
MOBILIZE
Health Officers mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve environmental problems, needs and health efforts.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Social Service Case Manager will provide social service support to City residents by offering technical assistance, information and referrals to various social service agencies.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
- Pest Control
Report problematic rodents and insect pests present in properties and public areas to the Bureau of Health (717) 291-4824 or tbailey@cityoflancasterpa.gov - Permits and Licensing
EVENT LICENSES and APPLICATIONS- Temporary Event Permit Application
- Full Health License Application
- Tattoo/Body Piercing/Scalp Micropigmentation License Application
- Mobile Truck License Application
- Pulled Mobile Unit Application
- Sidewalk Café Application
- Honey Bee License
Vendor Cart Permit – For information on Vending Cart (Food) licenses please contact City’s Bureau of health at (717) 291-4824 or tbailey@cityoflancasterpa.gov
