Public notice for hygiene operating permits
On July 27, 2024, Regulation No. 903/2024 on hygiene took effect. The Regulation includes several new provisions, and we want to highlight the public notice requirement for operating permits and new procedures for working with the Building Commissioner's office.
Before Reykjavík Public Health can process an application for a hygiene operating permit, the operating permit proposal must be posted on the public health authority's website for four weeks. During the notice period, anyone can submit written comments on the proposal.
Permit approvals will be delayed by this amount of time, so those planning to start operations that require permits should plan ahead and submit applications early.
This public notice requirement applies to operations covered in the hygiene regulation appendix for activities requiring permits, including restaurants, lodging establishments, schools, gymnasiums, beauty salons and others.
Building Commissioner confirmation
New procedures are also now in effect for Building Commissioner reviews, which are required before public health authority permit applications can be processed.
Before applying for a permit from Reykjavík Public Health, applicants must get Building Commissioner confirmation that their premises and operations meet planning and building regulation requirements, and include this confirmation with their application to the public health authority. The applicant must also verify that the premises and the operations they intend to conduct comply with the most recently approved building plans.
Note that applications are not considered received until all data has been submitted to Reykjavík Public Health, and application processing begins only then. Applicants should keep this in mind when applying for operating permits and registration with Reykjavík Public Health.