The Saratoga County Department of Health regulates agricultural fairs in the county pursuant to the New York State Sanitary Code, Subpart 7-5, Agricultural Fairgrounds. The Saratoga County Department of Health works with agricultural fair operators to ensure public health and safety at these events with particular attention paid to sanitation and hygiene, water quality, and waste management.
Public Health Specialists inspect many elements of an agricultural fairground including:
• Required permits
• Existence of public health hazards
• Water supply
• Food services
• Campgrounds and/or temporary residences
• Sewage treatment and collection
• Fire safety
• Surface drainage
• Refuse and animal waste storage and disposal
• Toilets and lavatories
• Animal contact areas
• Rabies prevention
The responsibilities of an agricultural fairground owner or operator includes, but is not limited to:
• Water Source Report: Fairground owners must submit a detailed report on all water sources, prepared by a New York State licensed engineer, at least 60 days before any event.
• Designated Individual: An individual must be appointed to manage the fairground property and facilities. This person should be available on-site or reachable during events. Contact information for this person must be posted.
• Training: The designated individual must complete an adequate course of instruction with a curriculum including the operation and/or oversight of agricultural fairground water supplies, sewage disposal, animal waste handling, and food service establishments.
• Maintenance Responsibility: The fairground owner is responsible for maintaining infrastructure, including water supply, sewage, waste disposal, and sanitation facilities.
• Event Schedule: Owners must provide a written schedule of events for the year to the permit-issuing official at least 30 days before the first event. Any changes or additional events must be reported.
• Permits for Facilities: All food service, campgrounds, or temporary residences not operated by the fairground owner must have valid permits.
• Reporting: Any public health hazards, illnesses associated with such hazards, or foodborne illnesses must be reported to the permit-issuing official within 24 hours of discovery.
To report a violation or unsafe conditions please call the Saratoga County Department of Health at (518) 584-7460 or Email us.
Complete the application online using the Saratoga County Citizen Engagement Portal.
- Create an account or log in with an existing
- Select Recreational Aquatic Spray Ground Permit
- Complete the online application and upload the required
- Pay by debit, credit card, or e-check
Apply In Person or by Mail
Mail to or drop off at:
Saratoga County Department of Health
6012 County Farm Road
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Make checks payable to Saratoga County Department of Health. Partial Payments are not accepted.