Environmental Health
This Environmental Services Division of the Public Health Department plays a crucial role in preventing environmentally-related illnesses and promoting a healthy community. The Environmental Health team inspects and regulates food establishments, tanning salons, daycares and other facilities to ensure compliance with health codes and promote safe environments. It also address issues related to air and water quality, lead hazards and the spread of pathogens by mosquitos and birds.
Beekeeping
An Oak Park property owner can establish up to two honeybee colonies - or apiaries - as long as the following specific Village code requirements are met:
- Register with the Illinois Department of Agriculture
- Provide an on-site water source for the bees
- Keep records of hive maintenance
- Provide a flyaway barrier by surrounding the apiary with dense vegetation or a fence at least five feet high
Beekeepers also must apply for an annual permit, pay a $75 fee and have their properties inspected by the Department of Public Health before a permit will be issued.
A beekeeping permit will not be issued for an apiary within 150 feet of any address where a resident with an allergy to bee stings documented by a licensed physician has registered with the Village.
Contact the Health Department for more information.
More information about beekeeping in Oak Park
Child & Long-Term Care Facility Inspections
Licensed child day care facility inspections in Oak Park are a collaborative effort between the Public Health Department and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The Public Health Department's Environmental Health Division inspects licensed day care centers annually for structure and safety and health and hygiene. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services inspects day care centers annually for staffing and program requirements. The Public Health Department also inspects for food safety and responds to complaints about these facilities. Call the Public Health Department at 708.358.5480 or email health@oak-park.us with questions.
Concerns or questions about any licensed day care center or day care home in the Village also can be directed to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at 1.877.746.0829 or by email to dcfs.daycarelicensing@illinois.gov.
Long-term care and assisted living facilities are licensed and inspected by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Complaints about any long-term care or assisted-living facility may be directed to the Illinois Department of Public Health Nursing Home Hotline at 1.800.252.4343.
Restaurant Inspections
All retail food, food service and temporary food establishments in Oak Park are inspected regularly to ensure compliance with Village code and state licensing requirements.
Local public health staff also investigate complaints, reviews construction plans for new and remodeled food businesses and conduct food borne illness investigations.
For more information, contact 708.358.5480 or health@oak-park.us.
Rodent Control
Public Health Department staff investigate conditions that could result in rat infestations. The Health Department also administers rat abatement activities, investigates citizen complaints and enforces environmental health codes related to rodent control.
For more information, contact 708.358.5480 or health@oak-park.us
Rodent Baiting Release Form(PDF, 67KB)
Tips for rodent proofing your property
Temporary Food License
A Temporary Food License must be obtained from the Oak Park Department of Public Health before any person or group can serve food or beverages at a public event. The only exceptions are farmers selling whole fruits and vegetables they have grown or vendors who offer packaged beverages or food that are not perishable and have been obtained from a commercial, regulated source. The sale or distribution of food that was made in a private home or unlicensed business is not allowed, unless that business is a registered Home Kitchen Operation or a Cottage Food Operation as defined in the Illinois Food Handling Regulation and Enforcement Act.
Temporary Food License Application & Guidelines(PDF, 496KB)