Public Health Rules in Washington, DC (2026)
4 verified public health rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
DC Department of Health inspects food establishments at least twice yearly under DC Code 7-731, posting full inspection reports online and requiring critical violations to be corrected within 10 days.
DC Restaurant Inspection and Public Posting
Some RestrictionsRodent Control
DC Code 8-2103 requires property owners to keep premises free of rats, with the Rodent Control Division authorized to enter and abate at owner expense, especially after the 2017-2024 rat surge.
DC Rat Abatement and Property Owner Duties
Heavy RestrictionsBed-Bug Rules
DC landlords must disclose any bed bug infestation in the prior 120 days under DC Code 42-3502.22, treat infestations at the landlord's expense, and provide tenants with educational materials.
Bed Bug Disclosure and Landlord Duties
Some RestrictionsSyringe Disposal
DC operates needle exchange programs through DOH-funded providers since Congress lifted the funding ban in 2007, with HIPS, Family Medical and Counseling, and others offering free syringes and sharps containers.
Needle Exchange and Safe Syringe Disposal
Few RestrictionsLooking for District of Columbia county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Washington city rules.
Public Health Rules in District of Columbia →