Pre-operational Inspections
The Division of Community Hygiene also provides pre-operational inspections of all Community Hygiene-related facilities located within the District. These types of establishments include both cosmetology (i.e. hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, esthetics and etc.), as well as swimming pools and other aquatic facilities. Before you can open and operate a cosmetology salon, barber shop, swimming pool, or other related facility, you must receive a passing Health Inspection .
To begin this process, please send the following documents to the Division of Community Hygiene by email at [email protected]. *When making a request, please be sure to include your name, the name of your business, at least two (2) dates/time options for possible inspection, and contact information.
Cosmetology Establishments:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- Salon Owner’s License (COO, CSO, BAO)
- Salon Manager’s License (COM, CSM, BAM, etc. – if applicable)
- Individual Operator’s License (COP, CSP, BAR, etc.)
Swimming Pools and Aquatic Facilities:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- Certified Pool Operator Certificate (CPO – if applicable)
- Building Permit Number
- Child Safety Plan (if applicable)
Once we have received the above documents/information, you will be contacted so that a pre-operational inspection can be scheduled. At the conclusion of the inspection, a report will be provided to you along with the next steps. If your operation passes the pre-operational inspection, you may submit the inspection report along with any other documents required by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), to the Business Licensing Division. Once you have obtained the Basic Business License (BBL), please share a copy via e-mail so we may keep your records on file.
To request an inspection, submit a request via our online Inspection Request Form.
Please contact the Division of Community Hygiene if you have any questions by writing to [email protected] or calling (202) 535-2180.
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has additional regulations and requirements that can be viewed at the DCRA website.