A Nationally Accredited Health Department Since 2017

Permits and licenses help ensure that your establishment is meeting the standards for public health safety. The Center for Environmental Health Improvement will conduct an inspection of your plan, facility, or operations to ensure that the public health standards are met. WCHD provides guidance and education when needed to help establishments come into compliance with standards needed. There is a cost associated with having a permit or a license as WCHD conducts inspections of these facilities to ensure compliance.

To make an appointment with the Center for Environmental Health Improvement, call 815-720-4100.

Permits and Inspections

Our Environmental Health inspectors inspect and permit all food establishments in Winnebago County. Food Permit renewal applications are mailed in October of each year and are due no later than December 15th for the next calendar year.

Application forms and procedures are located in the table below.

These facilities are inspected at least once a year for cleanliness, sanitation and the safety of guests and residents. Hotel/Motel permit renewals are mailed in October of each year and are due and payable no later than December 1st for the next calendar year. 

Application forms and procedures are located in the table below.

Our inspectors oversee all licensed well and septic contractors to ensure proper installation and repair of private water and sewage systems, conduct loan inspections, and site verifications.

Application forms and procedures are located in the table below.

Find the form needed in the chart below.

Submit completed forms and your payment or payment verification (If you pay online you will receive a payment verification) to WCHD via:

Swimming Pool and Hotel/Motel Applications
Public Swimming Facility Permit Application For public swimming facilities (pools, spas, bathing beaches). Click here to pay on EPAY
Hotel/Motel Permit Application For facilities offering temporary lodging (hotel, motels, bed & breakfasts) and rooming houses. Based on number of rooms: $40.00 - $525.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Mortgage / Loan Inspection Applications
Loan Inspection Request Well and/or septic inspection for realty transaction. $160.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Loan Inspection Request (FHA/VA) Well and/or septic inspection for realty transaction (includes lead water test) $205.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Loan Lead Test Well and/or septic lead water test inspection for realty transaction $45.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Wells and Septic Applications
Well/Septic Verification and Re-inspections Application For verification that proposed construction will not adversely affect existing well/septic systems (additions, garages, pools, decks, etc.) Soil boring site verification, Septic system field/tank/well distance verification, well/septic permit re-inspection and loan re-inspection. $60.00
Click here to pay on EPAY

or call 815-720-4100
Well & Septic Variance (You may need additional information to submit with your variance application. Please contact Todd Marshall at 815-720-4118.) For proposed well/septic installations that cannot meet all state/county codes to apply for a petition. (Please note, approvals are subject to review and are not guaranteed.) $60.00
To pay, call 815-720-4100
Septic System Contractor/Installer License Application (2020) For contractors performing installation and/or repair of private sewage disposal systems. (Requires valid IL state license.) For permit year December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020. $65.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Septic Tank Cleaner/Pumper License Application (2020) For contractors servicing, pumping, and/or cleaning private sewage disposal tanks. (Requires valid IL state license.) For permit year December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020. $65.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Portable Sanitation Technician/Trainee License Application (2020) For contractors providing, servicing, and hauling portable restrooms. (Requires valid IL state license.) For permit year December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020. $65.00
To pay, call 815-720-4100
Plat Review For review of lot sizes for proposed new subdivisions where public water or sewer are not available. $35.00 plus $15.00 each lot
Click here to pay on EPAY
2021 Waste Hauler Application

2022 Waste Hauler Application
For businesses operating refuse hauling vehicles in or through Winnebago County (i.e. residential garbage, construction waste, etc.) $150.00 per vehicle
Click here to pay on EPAY
ATP Homeowners with a Aerobic Treatment Plant as part of their non-conventional septic system are required to have an operational permit. This is a sample letter sent from the health department to homeowners when it is time renew their operational permit. $10.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Food & Beverage Permits and Inspections
Food & Beverage Establishment Permit Renewal Application Renewal of existing food & beverage establishment permit. (Please contact the WCHD if change of owner or new establishment.) Based on risk $170.00 - $710.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Mobile Food Vendor Permit Application For mobile food vendors. If using a commissary under different ownership, the second page must also be completed and submitted with the application. Based on risk $170.00 - $285.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Food & Beverage Establishment Plan Review Application When constructing, remodeling, or converting any new or existing food or beverage establishment. Based on risk of facility $200.00 - $400.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Food Establishment Inspection Request For change of ownership or to re-open a facility that has been closed. Based on risk of facility $50.00 - $100.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Event Organizer Application Primary contact for organizer of events with more than one vendor. $50.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Special Event Permit For temporary food/beverage vendors who do not have a permitted food & beverage facility. Based on risk and the number of events in a single location. $50.00 - $300.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Temporary Food Establishment Permit Application and Questionnaire

• Commissary Sharing Agreement
For permitted food & beverage establishments that want to hold an event(s) held off-premises. Complete the questionnaire first to determine what risk category your event will be. Then complete the commissary sharing agreement if needed. Finally complete and submit the temporary food establishment permit with the other completed documents. Based on risk and number of events in a single location. $50.00 - $400.00
Click here to pay on EPAY
Food & Beverage Establishment Variance For food & beverage establishments that cannot meet all state/county codes to apply for a petition. (Please note, approvals are subject to review and are not guaranteed.) $75.00
Click here to pay on EPAY

Cottage Foods / Home-To-Market Operator Registration

• Cottage Food Safety Plan for Acidified_Fermented Foods

• Home Self Certification Checklist

• Hazard Analysis Chart

• Sample Hazard Analysis Chart

For entrepreneurs to bring their home goods to market.(Please note, approvals are subject to review and are not guaranteed.) $50.00 Call 815-720-4100 to pay by credit card over the phone. EPAY coming soon