Seven Delaware County municipalities can perform their own health inspections in their communities following a decision in Commonwealth Court, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.
When Delaware County had no health department, it fell to local municipalities to conduct their own health inspections of food and beverage retail establishments, food stores, public and parochial schools, and public swimming pools.
Once the county health department was certified in February 2022, it picked up those inspections over the objections of seven communities, who protested with a court filing.
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas determined that Thornbury, Middletown, and Lower Chichester Townships, as well as Clifton Heights, Eddystone, Prospect Park, and Ridley Park, were exempt from the county inspections because they had their own health departments.
On appeal, Commonwealth Court Judge Anne E. Covey reaffirmed the Court of Common Pleas order in a prevailing opinion.
Delaware County officials said they have grave concerns about the court’s ruling.
“We believe our critical role as public health professionals can protect the health of residents and make Delaware County a safer, stronger County,” said Delaware County Communications Director Michael Connolly.
Find more detail and background on health inspections in the Daily Times.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published on DELCO Today in May 2025.
