Permitting and Inspection
Hotels are inspected and permitted under the authority of the Rules and Regulations Governing Hotels. All hotels, motels, bed & breakfast and other lodgings require a permit from the health department to operate. Plan reviews are required prior to permit issuance for new or remodeled facilities.
Inspections focus on:
- General cleanliness
- Building upkeep
- Pools and pool facilities
- Insect and rodent control
What about Bed and Breakfasts?
A bed and breakfast facility means:
- A residential-type establishment that provides two or more rental accommodations and food service on any single day to a maximum of 18 transient guests for a period of five or more days in any calendar year
- Any residential type of facility providing at least one rental accommodation for transient guests and food service for a total of 30 or more days in any calendar year.
VDH has established PIM 18-01, which outlines that residential-style rentals that meet the 12VAC5-431 definition of a bed and breakfast facility require a VDH Lodging Permit.
Other Permits
Operators of hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts may be required to apply for and obtain other VDH permits, such as a pool construction permit or a food establishment permit.
Regulations
To review hotel regulations, see VDH’s Lodging Regulations. These regulations include:
- Standards for general sanitary living conditions
- Pest control
- Linen care
- Bathroom cleanliness and supplies
- Trash removal
- Sanitation of any kitchenware or kitchen appliances provided for guests
Got Bed Bugs?
If you encounter or observe bed bugs at a regulated facility, please contact us at environmentalhealthsshd@vdh.virginia.gov.
For more info: