Public Health Rules in New York, NY (2026)
5 verified public health rules for New York, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
Since 2010 every NYC food service establishment must post an inspection letter grade in the window. DOHMH inspectors score under Health Code Title 24 Article 81. Grade A is twelve points or fewer; B is thirteen to twenty-seven; C is twenty-eight or more.
Letter Grade Program: A, B, C grades posted on every restaurant
Heavy RestrictionsRodent Control
NYC Health Code Title 24 §151 makes property owners responsible for keeping premises free of rats and conditions that harbor them. The Mayor's NYC Rat Initiative coordinates DOHMH, DSNY, HPD, and Parks. Inspectors cite, abate, and bill noncompliant properties, with set-out windows for trash now compressed.
Rat Initiative: owners abate, DOHMH inspects under Health Code §151
Heavy RestrictionsBed-Bug Rules
NYC Local Law 69 of 2010 requires landlords of multi-unit buildings to give prospective and current tenants an annual bed-bug infestation history disclosure. Active infestations must be eradicated by the landlord under Housing Maintenance Code §27-2018, with HPD enforcing through violations and fines.
Local Law 69 (2010): landlords must disclose bed bug history yearly
Heavy RestrictionsSyringe Disposal
NYC DOHMH funds Syringe Service Programs, often called the Syringe Exchange Program, that distribute and collect used syringes free of charge. New York Public Health Law §3381 protects syringe possession when obtained through SSP or pharmacy ESAP, and proper disposal in red biohazard sharps containers is required.
Syringe Exchange Program offers free disposal at SEP sites citywide
Some RestrictionsFood Handler Certification
NYC Health Code Title 24 §81.15 requires every food service establishment to have a supervisor holding a DOHMH Food Protection Certificate on duty whenever food is prepared or served. The fifteen-hour course is offered free online by DOHMH; New York State sanitarians enforce upstate.
Food Protection Certificate required; supervisor on duty at all times
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for New York County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement New York city rules.
Public Health Rules in New York County →