DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. How do I contact the Division of Environmental Health and what is its office hours?

  • For any inquiries regarding Health Certificate, Sanitary Permit, Controlled Substances Registration, or if you want to submit a public nuisance complaint, you can contact the Division of Environmental Health at 300-9579 or via email at dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov.
  • You may also visit our Processing Center Section (PCS), located in Hagatna at 155 Hesler Place (previously the old Legislature building).  PCS is open from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except on observed Government of Guam Holidays.
  • The number for the Business License and Permit Center, located in Upper Tumon, is 646-1276.

2. Do I need a Health Certificate?

  • Yes, if you plan to work in a health-regulated establishment.  Rules and Regulations Governing the Issuance of Health Certificate compels “every person employed within an eating and drinking establishment, tattoo shop, laundry or dry cleaning establishment, hotel, swimming pool, or any other establishments under the provision of any other rules and regulations promulgated by the Director to properly carry out Division 2 of Title 10 GCA relating to environmental health, shall be required to obtain a Health Certificate.”

3. How do I get a Health Certificate, and how much is it?

  • To obtain a Health Certificate you must complete the Health Certificate Application, which can be downloaded from the Department’s website at www.dphss.guam.gov, or you may visit the Division’s Processing Center Section, located in Hagatna at 155 Hesler Place (previously the old Legislature building).  PCS is open from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except on observed Government of Guam Holidays.  
  • If you are a first-time applicant seeking a Health Certificate for a food facility, you will need to present the result of your PPD skin test (screening test for tuberculosis) that was taken within the last 6 months and attend and pass the Health Certificate Food Safety Training Course, which will be scheduled and provided by the Division.
  • If you are a first-time applicant or renewing applicant for the following categories:  Cosmetology, Tattoo, Institutional (Nursing Home, Adult Care, Child Care, and Correctional Facility), and Therapeutic Massage, you must complete the Health Certificate Application and provide the required documents (i.e., PPD Skin Test Results, Physician’s Certification of Examination, Professional License, etc.) listed in the application under the category you are applying for.
  • Those seeking to renew their Health Certificate for a food facility will need to complete the “Renewal of Eating and Drinking and/or Food Establishments” form which can be downloaded from the Department’s website, or you can pick up an application at the Division’s Processing Center Section.  You must also attend and pass the Health Certificate Food Safety Refresher Training Course, which will be scheduled and provided by the Division.
  • All applications must be submitted to the Processing Center Section for review and processing.  An applicant will be issued a Health Certificate when all completed documents are submitted, and the applicable fee is paid.
  • The fee for new and renewal Health Certificate:
    • Food Facility:  $25.00 ($10.00 for the Health Certificate & $15.00 for the Health Certificate Food Safety Training Course)
    • Cosmetology Establishment:  $10.00
    • Tattoo Establishment:  $10.00
    • Institutional Establishment (Nursing Home, Adult Care, Child Care, or Correctional Facility):  $10.00
    • Therapeutic Massage Establishment:  $10.00

4. Do I need a Sanitary Permit?

  • Yes, if you plan to operate a health-regulated establishment, such as a food facility; institutional facility (school, childcare facility, nursing home); hotel, motel, or a dormitory; cosmetic establishment (which includes therapeutic massage); laundromat or dry-cleaner; swimming pool at a hotel, condominium, or apartment; cemetery; and chemical toilet business.  

5. How do I get a Sanitary Permit, and how much is it?

  • To obtain a Sanitary Permit you must complete the Sanitary Permit application, which can be downloaded from the Department’s website at www.dphss.guam.gov, or you may visit the Division’s Processing Center Section, located in Hagatna at 155 Hesler Place (previously the old Legislature building).  PCS is open from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except on observed Government of Guam Holidays.
  • Sanitary Permit application may also be picked up at the Business License and Permit Center in Upper Tumon, located in the Department of Public Work’s compound, on Wednesday and Friday only between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.  
  • The following supporting documents must be attached to your Sanitary Permit application:  Floor Plan, Vicinity Map, Smoking Policy, Personnel Information Listing, Health Certificate(s), Equipment Specifications Listing, Grease Trap Requirement, and Manager’s Certification.
  • All Sanitary Permit applications must be submitted to the Division’s representative at the Business License and Permit Center on Wednesday or Friday.  Upon submittal, your application will be reviewed, and if complete, a pre-operational inspection of your facility will be scheduled.  The Sanitary Permit will be issued if your establishment passes the pre-operational inspection and the required fees are paid.
  • Applicants are encouraged to visit the Business License and Permit Center and speak to the Division’s representative if seeking a Sanitary Permit so to obtain all necessary information and documents.
  • The fee for Sanitary Permit:
    • Establishment with 1 – 10 employees: $290.00
      • More than 10 employees:  $5.00 for each additional employee
    • Temporary Food Service Establishment (Operating 3 days or less):  $50.00
    • Temporary Food Service Establishment (Operating 4 days or more):  $100.00
    • Food and Beverage Vending Machine (First Machine of Each Type):  $290.00
      • Food and Beverage Vending Machine (Additional Machine of Each Type):  $5.00

6. How do I apply for Guam Controlled Substances Registration certificate?

  • To apply for the Guam Controlled Substances Registration (GCSR) certificate, you must complete and submit the Controlled Substances Registration application to the Processing Center Section (PCS), located in Hagatna at 155 Hesler Place (previously the old Legislature building).  PCS is open from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except on observed Government of Guam Holidays.  You can download the application from the DPHSS website (www.dphss.guam.gov), or pick-up an application at PCS.  The fee for first-time and renewal GCSR are:
    • Manufacture Controlled Substances:  $1,000.00
    • Distribute Controlled Substances:  $500.00
    • Dispense, conduct research or instructional activities with, or to conduct chemical analysis with any controlled substance:  $500.00
    • Pharmacy:  $500.00

7. I want to file a public nuisance complaint with the Division of Environmental Health, how do I do it?

  • To file a public nuisance complaint, you can contact the Division of Environmental Health at 300-9579 or via email at dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov.  You can also download the complaint form on the DPHSS website at www.dphss.guam.gov and submit it in person.  
  • You can also submit a complaint via our Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/GuamDEH/.
  • All complaints are confidential, and you do not have to provide your name.

8. What constitutes a “public nuisance” and what can the Division of Environmental Health do about it?

  • A public nuisance is defined as anything that is deemed dangerous to human life, injurious to health, or renders soil, air, water, or food impure or unwholesome.  
  • Examples of public nuisance include: the presence of mosquito breeding and rodent harborage sites; unsanitary restaurant and other establishments regulated by the Division; and pets or livestock creating an unsanitary condition that adversely impacts the neighborhood.  However, it does not include “private nuisance,” which is a private violation resulting in private damage, such as, when a landlord fails to repair a tenant’s sewage back-up.
  • The Division will respond to all legitimate public nuisance complaints by investigating the alleged violation, contacting the potential violator, or referring the matter to another government of Guam agency to resolve the nuisance.  If necessary, and when appropriate, the violator will be cited with notice to remove the nuisance.

9. Can I apply for Health Certificate, Sanitary Permit, or Guam Controlled Substances Registration Certificate online?

  • Currently, we are not able to accept and process any applications online, but applications may be downloaded at www.dphss.guam.gov.
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