Lodging Establishments

What is a lodging establishment?

Any establishment that provides lodging accommodations for pay such as hotels, motels, inns, tourist homes.  Facilities described in General Statute 130A-250 (1) through (5) shall not be regulated as lodging establishments.

What is a bed & breakfast home/inn?

A Bed & Breakfast Home is a private home that offers bed and breakfast accommodations to eight or less persons per night for a period of less than a week.

A Bed & Breakfast Inn is a business of not more than 12 guest rooms that offers bed and breakfast accommodations to at least nine but not more than 23 persons per night for a period of less than one week.  They do not serve food or drink to the general public for pay, serve only the breakfast meal to overnight guests, the cost of the breakfast is included in the room rate and is the permanent residence of the owner/manager.

How do I apply for a permit?

Fill out the Lodging Establishment Application and return it to Environmental Health.

Lodging Establishment Application

How often are lodging establishments and bed & breakfast homes/inns inspected?

Inspections are made at least once every fiscal year (July - June), but may be inspected more frequently when necessary to insure compliance.

What do environmental health specialists look at during a sanitation inspection?

Environmental Health Specialists look at:

• cleanliness of floors, walls & ceilings
• lobby, hall and stairs
• guest rooms, furniture in good repair, clean
• linen properly washed, in good repair,
• cleanliness of storage spaces 
• adequacy of lighting
• cleanliness of ventilation
• adequacy of water supply, water temperatures
• solid waste disposal
• drinking water facilities, ice machines
• toilet, lavatory and bath facilities - cleanliness, good repair, properly supplied

Do lodging establishments and bed & breakfast homes/inns receive a sanitation score?

Yes, the grading of these establishments is based on a similar system of scoring as food service establishments and whenever an inspection is made, the Environmental Health Specialist posts the new grade card in an area easily viewed by anyone upon entering the facility.

Complaints?

If you have concerns about the sanitation at a lodging establishment in Rockingham County, speak to the owner or manager directly.  If you still have concerns, you may also call us at (336)342-8130 to register a complaint.