Our Mission: Protecting the environment and enhancing public health by preventing disease,promoting environmental responsibility and, when necessary, enforcing environmental and public health laws. 

As part of the County’s Land Use & Environment Group, we are here to help you.

The Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) enhances San Diegans' quality of life. We take care of public health and protect environmental quality, promote environmental awareness, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws.

DEHQ oversees:

  • Retail food safety
  • Public housing
  • Public swimming pools
  • Small state drinking water systems
  • Mobile-home parks
  • Onsite wastewater systems
  • Recreational water
  • Aboveground and underground storage tanks and cleanup oversight
  • Medical and hazardous materials and waste.

Additionally, DEHQ acts as the Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency, working to prevent the spread of diseases caused by rats and mosquitoes. And also makes sure that County employees have safe workplaces.

For information about the Class Action Settlement regarding annual restaurant permit fees.
 

 Annual Cost Recovery Proposal

DEHQ has held virtual meetings to share program updates and to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the fiscal year 2023-2024 cost recovery proposal. More information can be found on our Health Permit Fees page.

DEHQ shared the proposal with the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors on May 3, 2023. The Board approved the department fees for the fiscal year 2023-24 in a unanimous vote during the first meeting about the proposed changes. The second meeting also had unanimous approval from the Board on May 24, 2023. The fees started on July 1, 2023, and can be found on the list of approved fees.

 

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