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Public Health Rules in Arlington County, VA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Arlington County, Virginia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Arlington County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Rodent Control

Arlington County Code § 10-14 makes it the joint duty of every property owner and occupant to keep the parcel free of trash, garbage, refuse, litter, and debris that might endanger residents' health or safety, a standard § 10-12 says covers conditions that "harbor vermin."

Arlington County Property Duty on Vermin

Some Restrictions

Arlington County Code § 10-14

It shall be the joint and several duty of the property owner and the occupant of each parcel of property in the County to keep such property free from all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, debris, or other substances which might endanger the health or safety of other residents of the County.

Food Handler Certification

Arlington County makes it unlawful to operate a Food Establishment unless a Certified Food Manager is in immediate control, or a Certified Limited Food Manager for Limited Food Establishments. The County Manager issues the Certificate after an accredited exam; it is valid five years, non-transferable, and must be renewed by passing another certification exam. Temporary Food Establishments running 14 days or less are exempt.

Certified Food Manager Rule in Arlington County

Some Restrictions

Arlington County Code § 9.2-12

A. It shall be unlawful to operate a Food Establishment unless it is under the immediate control of a Certified Food Manager; provided, however, that a Limited Food Establishment will not be in violation of this subsection if that Limited Food Establishment is under the immediate control of a Certified Limited Food Manager. B. The Certified Food Manager or Certified Limited Food Manager shall b...

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