Home · Violations · Wake County
NC · Wake County

Failed a health inspection in Wake County, North Carolina?

Wake County restaurants get 5–30 days after a failing score to correct violations. Every open violation at re-inspection costs you points or closes the restaurant. Here is everything you need to know, and how to fix it fast.

Wake County at a glance

Wake County Environmental Services — Environmental Health Division
Grading system100-point grading — A (90–100), B (80–89), C (70–79); below 70 fails; grade card must be conspicuously posted
Re-inspection window5–30 days after a failing score
Re-inspection fee$200–$400 per re-inspection
Closure riskScores below 70 or imminent health hazard result in closure; Wake County posts all inspection scores online

Violation tiers and deadlines

P
Priority (P): Imminent health hazard corrected before reopening; other Priority violations within 72 hours
Food safety hazards that directly cause illness, including foodborne disease risk, bare-hand contact, and temperature abuse.
PF
Priority Foundation (PF): 10 days for Priority Foundation violations
Procedures and practices that support food safety, including certifications, cooling logs, labeling, and training.
C
Core (C): 30 days for Core violations
Facility and equipment standards, including maintenance, cleaning schedules, and physical condition of the space.

Deadlines are typical for Wake County. Always verify with Wake County Environmental Services — Environmental Health Division.

Most common violations in Wake County

WHAT THE INSPECTOR CHECKS
01Improper food cooling — product not reaching 41°F within 6 hours
02Employee sick policy — no written exclusion/restriction procedures
03Cold-hold temperatures above 41°F in display or prep coolers
04Handwashing sink lacking soap, paper towels, or not accessible
05Rodent or insect evidence in food storage or prep area
06Food contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

What happens at the re-inspection

The inspector returns to recheck every violation from the original report. They will verify that corrective actions were actually taken, not just that the symptom was temporarily fixed.

For Priority violations this means documented evidence: temperature logs showing proper cold-hold since the original inspection, signed employee illness agreements, corrected food handling observed on-site. A corrected temperature reading alone is not enough if the underlying practice has not changed.

Inspectors may also flag new violations they observe during the re-inspection visit. A re-inspection is not limited to the original violation list.

COMMON MISTAKE

Correcting the condition without documenting it. Bring written proof to every re-inspection, even for violations that seem obvious to verify.

Questions about re-inspections in Wake County

How long do I have to fix violations in Wake County?+

Priority violations must be corrected Imminent health hazard corrected before reopening; other Priority violations within 72 hours. Priority Foundation violations are due 10 days for Priority Foundation violations. Core violations have 30 days for Core violations. Always confirm the exact deadline with Wake County Environmental Services — Environmental Health Division.

What happens if I fail the re-inspection?+

Wake County may issue additional fines, schedule a second re-inspection, or, for serious ongoing violations, suspend your operating permit. Restaurants with scores indicating an imminent health hazard risk immediate closure.

What is the re-inspection fee in Wake County?+

Re-inspection fees in Wake County are typically $200–$400 per re-inspection. Fees vary by violation count and may increase for repeat failures. Verify current fees with Wake County Environmental Services — Environmental Health Division.

What documents should I have ready for the re-inspection?+

Bring your Corrective Action Plan showing what was fixed and when, staff training sign-off sheets, temperature logs covering the period since the original inspection, and any invoices for equipment repairs or pest control.

Do I have to close while I fix violations?+

Scores below 70 or imminent health hazard result in closure; Wake County posts all inspection scores online. For violations that do not trigger an immediate closure, you can typically continue operating while corrections are made, but all Priority violations must be corrected by the deadline or you risk closure at re-inspection.

READY TO FIX IT?

Upload your Wake County inspection report. Get your corrective action kit in 3 minutes.

Upload your report free

See all violations free · $79 for the full kit

This document is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee a passing re-inspection score. Deadlines and fees are based on publicly available jurisdiction data and may change. Always verify requirements directly with Wake County Environmental Services — Environmental Health Division.

Upload your report. See violations free.