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Health Department

Restaurants &
Food Services

Restaurants and other food-related businesses must be inspected and permitted by the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department. Learning about, understanding, and following health department regulations is a crucial part of building and growing a food-related business. For more information, click the button below or call 304-485-7374.

Important Steps
to Take

Contact the health department to acquire a plan review form, this form must be submitted 45 days in advance of construction. Submit an application to operate to the health department at least one week before opening. Complete a walk through approximately one week before opening in order to give the owner plenty of time to fix any issues.

Mobile Home & RV Park Information

The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department (MOVHD) enforces mobile home and RV park rules based on West Virginia Bureau for Public Health legislative mandates. The health department focuses heavily on protecting public health from waterborne and foodborne illnesses by permitting and inspecting these properties. 
The primary regulatory rules and frameworks enforced by the MOVHD include:

1. The 4-Home
Permitting Threshold

Under West Virginia State Rule 64 CSR 40 (Manufactured Home Communities), any parcel of land containing four or more mobile homes used for dwelling purposes (whether rent is charged or free) constitutes a commercial community. If you hit this threshold, you cannot legally construct or operate without a dual Permit to Operate issued by the state and the local county health department. 

2. Environmental Health
& Infrastructure Inspections

MOVHD sanitarians conduct regular, mandatory field inspections of multi-unit parks to check for compliance with environmental health safety guidelines. These inspections strictly target: 
  • Water Supply: Ensuring clear, safe hookups to approved public water systems or tested water wells.
  • Sewage & Waste Disposal: Confirming a fully functional public sewer tap or an approved, non-failing septic/home aeration system. All plumbing hookups must follow backflow prevention requirements. 
  • Vector & Trash Control: Keeping the grounds clean of open garbage and vector-breeding hazards (such as standing pools of water or unmanaged refuse that attracts insects and rodents). 

3. Site and Space
Design Guidelines

The physical layout of mobile home parks falls under 64 CSR 41 (Design, Information and Procedural Manual for Mobile Home Parks). 

  • A single mobile home structure is recommended to cover no more than one-third of its allotted lot space. 
  • Underground electrical conduits are preferred, requiring a baseline load safety buffer of at least 16,000 watts per home. 

4. RV Park Specifics &
Local Zoning Limitations

While the health department monitors sanitation, water, and septic hookups for temporary/recreational “house trailer camps” or RV configurations, zoning and full-time residency legality are separate from health codes.

 

  • Zoning Rules: Individual municipalities within the MOVHD jurisdiction (such as Parkersburg or Vienna) enforce strict, separate city municipal codes regarding whether an RV can be legally lived in outside of a designated commercial campground, and often dictate vehicle size, structural skirting, or municipal water taps. 
  • County Assessor Permits: Independent of health code, any individual moving a mobile home or trailer into a county for residency longer than 30 days must notify the county assessor and secure an information permit. 

How Can I Learn More?

To streamline an application or check specific lot restrictions, you should reach out directly to the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department Environmental Health Section via the link below.

FAQ

Common Questions About
What We Bring to the Table

Questions? Contact Us

FAQ

Wood County offers a competitive package of state and local incentives designed to support business growth at every stage. These may include tax credits, workforce training assistance, infrastructure support, and access to low-interest loan and grant programs.

Our team works directly with each company to identify and customize the best available options, while also coordinating with state and regional partners to maximize your investment. We streamline the process so you can focus on launching and scaling your operation with confidence.

Wood County benefits from a diverse and dependable workforce drawn from a strong regional labor shed. The area is supported by a network of technical schools, colleges, and workforce training programs that align with the needs of key industries.

Whether you require skilled trades, advanced manufacturing talent, or professional services, we can connect you with the right pipeline. Ongoing workforce development initiatives ensure your team has access to continuous training and upskilling opportunities.

We offer a range of development-ready sites and existing buildings to meet your project timeline and operational needs. From shovel-ready industrial sites to flexible commercial spaces, our available properties are strategically located and supported by essential infrastructure.

Our team will guide you through site selection, provide detailed property data, and help coordinate due diligence—ensuring a smooth and efficient path from planning to groundbreaking.

Wood County is strategically positioned with access to major transportation networks, including highways, rail service, and regional air connections. This connectivity allows businesses to efficiently reach key markets across the Midwest and beyond.

In addition, the region offers reliable and scalable utilities—including electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and broadband—ensuring your operations can grow without interruption.

Wood County offers an exceptional quality of life that supports both professional success and personal well-being. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, strong schools, accessible healthcare, and a safe, welcoming community.

The region also features abundant outdoor recreation, local dining, arts, and cultural experiences—making it an attractive place for employees and their families to live, work, and thrive.

WOOD COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Why Join? We're Glad You Asked

RATINGS & TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say

96% recommend us and here’s why – we are committed to doing everything we can to help our partners, businesses, and community members thrive. We focus on building real momentum by providing responsive support, strategic resources, and meaningful connections that drive growth in our region. Every project, conversation, and initiative is guided by a commitment to exceptional service, measurable results, and long-term success.

4.8 out of 5
0 %

"The Wood County Development Authority has been a vital partner in WVU Parkersburg's efforts to expand workforce development and drive regional economic growth. Their support-both strategic and collaborative-has helped us advance major initiatives like the Innovation and Technology Center, ensuring our programs align with local industry needs. As a college president who gets to partner with Lindsey and Kate, I know that we are transforming our region both educationally and economically."

Dr. Tori Jackson WVU Parkersburg, President

"Lindsey and Kate have demonstrated exceptional responsiveness and assistance to Grand Central Mall. When we have required documentation and data to support prospective tenants, they have promptly provided this information and are receptive to modifying it to meet our specific requirements. Their extensive networking contacts are invaluable for businesses seeking growth and expansion. Wood County has a valuable resource in this team, and their services are highly recommended"

Jody Hopkins GCM, General Manager

"This office has been an outstanding partner to our business over the years. We truly appreciate their commitment to staying connected-they make a point to visit us annually, not just to check in, but to genuinely understand our needs and challenges. During one of these visits, they introduced us to a WV EDA loan program we hadn't even heard of, which ultimately helped us secure funding to purchase new equipment. Their proactive approach and dedication to supporting local businesses make a real difference in our community."

Dominique Holl Holl's Chocolate, Owner