Change of Ownership or Food Service

When changes are made to a food service establishment (such as a change of ownership, name, menu, seating or equipment) Environmental Health must give approval. This helps ensure that the changes meet safe food handling practices and updated state and local regulations.

See the Washington State Retail Food Code (PDF) for the comprehensive document all Food Establishments in Washington State operate under. Please also see the Washington Department of Health Food Safety Rules and Regulations for a list of relevant links.

Change in Ownership

When someone buys or sells a food service establishment, Environmental Health must be notified of the change in order to issue a permit to the new owner. Food Service Establishment Permits are not transferrable and operating without a permit is against the law.

The new operator will submit a completed new Plan Review Application (PDF), including all required documents since facilities often accumulate small changes over time. Carefully complete the application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Change in Food Service

If you are a current owner of an establishment and you wish to update or change the menu, remodel the establishment or add services like a catering component to your operation, a change in service application is required. Use the plan review application packet and expect the 30-day turnaround time.

Documents

A plan review application packet will be re-submitted for any changes to the establishment. Please utilize the Plan Review Guidance Manual below when filling out a Change in Ownership or Food Service Plan Review.  You can also reference the Food Service Permitting Category Definitions to determine which fee types may apply.

If there is a remodel of a food service establishment, increased seating capacity, or a substantial change to the menu, a full plan review must be completed. See the Plan Review Application below.

Fees

If the change in service changes the classification of an establishment, the annual permit fee will be adjusted. Reference the Food Permitting Category Definitions (PDF) document for more information. Once the plan review has been completed, a prorated fee for the new classification will be charged for the remainder of the permit year (October 1 to September 30).

If additional inspections and services are requested or required and provided, you will be billed the hourly rate for technical assistance. See the Environmental Health Fee Schedule  for more information.

Notification

It is the responsibility of the buyer to submit the required paperwork and fees to Environmental Health. The seller is encouraged to notify us as well, in case the buyer does not.

Food service operating permits are not transferable.