Commercial Compliance Hub
Check requirements

Johnston County

Johnston County Environmental Health Department

In short

Johnston County Environmental Health Department issues 9 permits we publish for Johnston County, last verified 2026-10-21. Each carries the fee as the agency publishes it, with a link to the schedule it was read from.

What this agency issues

Permits required, with issuing agency, fee, renewal term and the date each record was last verified against its source
Food Establishment Plan Reviewonly if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health Department$250 one-time per plan review, county fee, as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026) and on the county's plan review application; G.S. 130A-248(f) caps a local health department's plan review fee at $250.00one-time, per new food service establishment project, before construction2026-10-21
Mobile Food Unit / Push Cart Plan Reviewonly if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health Department$250 one-time per plan review, county fee, listed as 'Mobile Food Units / Push Carts' as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026); G.S. 130A-248(f) caps a local health department's plan review fee at $250.00one-time, per mobile food unit or push cart, before operation2026-10-21
Temporary Food Establishment Permit (Temporary Food Stand)only if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health Department$75 per permit, per event; the amount is set by G.S. 130A-248(d2) and listed as 'Temporary Food Stand (Per Event) $75.00' as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026)per event2026-10-21
Public Swimming Pool / Spa / Wading Pool Plan Reviewonly if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health Department$300 one-time per plan review, county fee, as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026)one-time, before construction; the county's pool page states 'If construction is not initiated within one year from the date of approval, the approval is void.'2026-10-21
Public Swimming Pool, Wading Pool and Spa Operation Permitonly if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health Department$150–$250 per operation permit for each operation year or season, county fee, as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026): Public Swimming Pool $250.00, Public Wading Pool $150.00, Public Spa $150.00; a Swimming Pool Reinspection Fee of $75.00 is listed separatelyan annual permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance; pools that open on or after April 1 receive a seasonal permit that expires on October 31 of that year2026-10-21
Tattoo Permit (per artist)only if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health Department$250 per permit, per artist, listed as 'Tattoo $250.00' as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026)one year from the date of issuance; the county's page states the permit 'is not transferable from one location to another'2026-10-21
Child Care Center Sanitation Inspection and Plan Reviewonly if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health DepartmentNo feeplan review once, before construction; sanitation inspections 'twice each fiscal year, and one time in each six-month period'2026-10-21
On-Site Wastewater (Septic) System Permitonly if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health DepartmentCounty fees as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026): Septic System Permit (Systems 480 Gallons or less) $600.00; Large System Design (Systems >480 Gallons) $700.00; Existing System Upgrade/Replacement $250.00; (ESA) Existing System Approval $150.00; Installation/Re-inspection Fee $100.00; Open Permit Revision $200.00 where a site visit is required or $50.00 where none is required; Pump Fee $50.00; Supply Line(s) Permit $100.00; Septic Repair No Charge. The page also lists permits under GS 130A-335(A2) (SL 2022-11): $600.00 for 480 gallons or less, $700.00 over 480 gallons, $250.00 upgrade and $250.00 replacement; and under GS 130A-335(A2)(A5): $240.00, $280.00, $100.00 upgrade and $100.00 replacement, with repairs at no charge in both.one-time, per permit2026-10-21
Private Well Permitonly if it applies to youJohnston County Environmental Health DepartmentCounty fees as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026): Private Well $400.00; Agricultural/Irrigation Well $325.00; Well Repair/Abandonment No Charge; Well Reinspection $50.00.one-time, per well2026-10-21

Fees shown as a range or formula are set that way by the issuing agency — we do not average them into a single number.

About each permit

Food Establishment Plan Review

A restaurant, coffee shop or store preparing food that is building a new food service establishment in Johnston County submits a plan review application to the Environmental Health Department and pays $250.00, as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026). The county's application, 'Procedure for the Submission of a Plan Review', states: 'The fee for this plan review is $250.00.' It asks for the completed application, a menu, a drawing of the facility, equipment specification sheets and the fee; if the packet is emailed, the fee can be paid over the phone with a card by calling 919-989-5180. The amount is a county fee charged at the statutory ceiling: G.S. 130A-248(f) provides that any local health department may charge a fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for plan review of plans for food establishments that are not subject to subsection (e). Under subsection (e) the Department may charge its own $250.00 fee for plan review of prototype franchised or chain facilities, and the statute adds that no food establishment that pays a fee under (e) is liable for a fee under (f). This plan review is separate from the state food establishment permit carried at the state layer, and from the county's zoning and building permits for the same build-out. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577, (919) 989-5180.

Mobile Food Unit / Push Cart Plan Review

A food truck or push cart operator in Johnston County pays $250.00 for plan review, listed as 'Mobile Food Units / Push Carts $250.00' as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026). The Environmental Health Department's food service page lists 'Mobile food units and push carts' among the types of food service facilities it inspects, and the same page links the county's Commissary Agreement Form for Pushcarts and Mobile Food Units. The amount is a county fee at the ceiling that G.S. 130A-248(f) sets: a local health department may charge a fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for plan review of food establishment plans not subject to the State's prototype franchise or chain review under subsection (e). The fee sits in the 'Plan Reviews: Food, Swimming Pools' block of the fee page, alongside the $250.00 plan review for fixed food establishments. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577, (919) 989-5180.

Temporary Food Establishment Permit (Temporary Food Stand)

A business selling food at a festival, fair or other event in Johnston County needs a temporary food establishment permit from the Environmental Health Department for each event. The fee is set by statute, not by the county: G.S. 130A-248(d2) provides that a local health department 'shall charge each temporary food establishment' a fee of 'seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for each permit issued.' The county lists the same amount as 'Temporary Food Stand (Per Event) $75.00' as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026). The Department's food service page lists temporary food service establishments and food stands among the facility types it inspects. A restaurant, coffee shop or food truck working an event pays this per-event fee in addition to whatever permits it already holds for its fixed or mobile operation. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577, (919) 989-5180.

Public Swimming Pool / Spa / Wading Pool Plan Review

A fitness studio, gym or club building a public swimming pool, wading pool or spa in Johnston County pays $300.00 for plan review, listed as 'Public Swimming Pool / Spa / Wading Pool $300.00' as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026). This applies only where the business has or is building a pool or spa; a studio without a pool or spa has no pool plan review. The county's pool page states that 'The owner shall submit a complete set of plans, equipment specification (spec) sheets and data sheet to this office for review and approval prior to the start of construction', that the plans and specifications 'shall be prepared by a registered design professional and constructed by a Swimming Pool contractor licensed by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors', and that 'If construction is not initiated within one year from the date of approval, the approval is void.' A Pool and Spa Data Sheet is required with a new construction plan submission. The annual or seasonal operation permit is a separate charge, listed separately. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577, (919) 989-5180.

Public Swimming Pool, Wading Pool and Spa Operation Permit

A fitness studio or club with a pool or spa open to members or the public needs an operation permit from Johnston County Environmental Health before it opens each year or season; a studio without a pool or spa has no pool permit. The county's pool page states that 'All public pools and spas must have an operation permit issued by the Department in order to operate', that 'An annual operation permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance; pools that open on or after April 1 are issued a seasonal permit that expires on October 31 of that year', and that before each operation year or season the owner or operator must submit an application, a pool drain safety compliance data sheet and the required fee. The amounts are as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026): Public Swimming Pool $250.00, Public Wading Pool $150.00 and Public Spa $150.00, each per permit, with a Swimming Pool Reinspection Fee of $75.00. A facility with both a pool and a spa should expect a permit for each. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577, (919) 989-5180.

Tattoo Permit (per artist)

This record applies to a salon or studio only where tattooing is offered; a salon without tattooing services needs no tattoo permit, and the county page covers tattooing only. The Johnston County Environmental Health tattoo page states: 'No person shall engage in tattooing without first obtaining a tattooing permit from the Environmental Health department.' The artist applies by completing the county's application with the required fee, and 'A permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and is not transferable from one location to another.' On receipt of the application and fee the department inspects the facility construction and cleanliness, instruments, equipment and tattooing procedures. Each artist posts a Tattooing Permit stating the artist name, the location for which it is valid and the dates of issuance and expiration, at the entry to the business or the artist room. The fee is $250.00, as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026), so a shop with several artists pays it for each artist. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, (919) 989-5180.

Child Care Center Sanitation Inspection and Plan Review

A child care center under construction in Johnston County submits equipment specifications and the county's Plan Review Application to the Environmental Health Department before construction begins, and the plan review carries no fee: the county's Plan Review Application for Child Care Centers states 'There is not a fee for this plan review.' The application asks for the completed form, a floor plan drawing of the proposed facility and a proposed menu, submitted in person, by mail or by email. Once open, the center is inspected: the county's child care page states that Environmental Health 'completes sanitation inspections on all child care centers in Johnston County twice each fiscal year, and one time in each six-month period', that all child care centers are licensed by the Division of Child Development, and that the inspections are forwarded to that agency. A score card posted at the center shows its classification, superior, approved, provisional or disapproved, and the demerits noted. A fee for the routine sanitation inspections is not published on the Environmental Health fee page. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577, (919) 989-5180.

On-Site Wastewater (Septic) System Permit

Any business in Johnston County on a site without public sewer needs an on-site wastewater permit from the Environmental Health Department; a site on a public sewer has no septic permit. The county's septic page sets out the process: 'An Application for Service is accepted with presentation of a document from the appropriate planning and zoning authority', with a site plan showing the property, the state road number, the driveway and the buildings, and setbacks from the highway right-of-way and at least one other property line. Fees are assessed on the requested services, the property is evaluated, and 'The permit can be released upon receipt of the proper zoning permit and any other fees.' Only with both the zoning permit and the Environmental Health permit can the applicant apply to Building Inspections. The amounts are as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026): $600.00 for a system of 480 gallons or less, $700.00 for a large system design over 480 gallons, $250.00 to upgrade or replace an existing system, and $150.00 for an existing system approval, with the other lines in the fee formula. The county page states that repair permits may be applied for by the property owner or authorized agent 'at no cost', and the fee page lists 'Septic Repair No Charge'. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, (919) 989-5180.

Private Well Permit

A business in Johnston County whose site draws water from a private well rather than a public system needs a well permit from the Environmental Health Department; a site without a private well has no well permit. The amounts are as published on the Johnston County Environmental Health fee page (effective date shown: July 1, 2026): Private Well $400.00, Agricultural/Irrigation Well $325.00, Well Reinspection $50.00, and well repair or abandonment at no charge. The county's septic page shows how the well fits the building sequence: before a water and sewer authorization is issued, the well must be installed and inspected, the well contractor's completed well log must be on file, and 'A negative bacteriological water test is required to approve the well.' The applicant provides an electrical source and arranges the water test, taken either by the assigned Environmental Health Specialist or by a certified technician from a private lab. Once complete, the authorization is forwarded to Building Inspections so that a final inspection and permanent power can be obtained. The county's application form covers both the septic system and the well. Contact: Johnston County Environmental Health, (919) 989-5180.

Contact

Jurisdiction
Johnston County
Phone
(919) 989-5180

Contact details are taken from the agency’s own site or its published fee schedule. Where we have not verified a phone number we leave it blank rather than guess.

Sources

Every fee and term above was read from one of these government pages on the date shown.

  1. Child Care Centers | Environmental Health Department — sanitation inspections twice each fiscal year and plan review before construction (page last updated April 5, 2024)Johnston County Environmental Health Department · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-21
  2. Fee Schedule | Environmental Health — Johnston County Environmental Health fee page, 'Effective Date: July 1, 2026', listing plan review, food, pool, tattoo, septic and well feesJohnston County Environmental Health Department · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-21
  3. Food Service Establishments | Environmental Health Department — the facility types inspected, including restaurants, food stands, mobile food units and push carts, and temporary food service establishmentsJohnston County Environmental Health Department · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-21
  4. G.S. 130A-248 — food establishment permits: the $120 Department permit fee and its exclusions (d), the $25 late and $150 reinstatement fees (d1), the mandatory $75 temporary and limited food service fee (d2) and the $250 local plan review ceiling (f)North Carolina General Assembly · primary source · retrieved 2026-09-30
  5. Johnston County Plan Review Application for Child Care Centers — 'There is not a fee for this plan review.'Johnston County Environmental Health Department · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-21
  6. On-Site Wastewater (Septic Systems) | Environmental Health Department — the septic permitting process and repair permits (page last updated May 11, 2026)Johnston County Environmental Health Department · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-21
  7. Procedure for the Submission of a Plan Review — Johnston County plan review application for new construction of a food service establishment ('The fee for this plan review is $250.00.')Johnston County Environmental Health Department · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-21
  8. Public Swimming Pools and Spas | Environmental Health Department — annual and seasonal operation permits and new pool plan approval (page last updated August 11, 2026)Johnston County Environmental Health Department · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-21
  9. Tattooing | Environmental Health Department — tattoo permit application, inspection and posting (page last updated September 2, 2025)Johnston County Environmental Health Department · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-21

Other offices serving Johnston County

The full permit list for this jurisdiction

Industry permit lists that include this agency

North Carolina jurisdictions

Commercial Compliance Hub publishes information, not legal advice. Requirements change — confirm anything you rely on with the issuing agency before you file.