Fixed Establishments
New and Existing Restaurant Owners
Permanent Food Establishments
New Food Establishment Application
Septic System Supplemental Form (must be completed if utilizing a septic system for wastewater disposal)
Food Establishment Change of Ownership Application
- A COO Application may be submitted when a restaurant is purchased by a new owner, is closed for less than 30 days, and no menu changes or remodeling to the existing establishment occur.
Catering Businesses
Wineries & Breweries
Winery and Brewery (Washington State Department of Agriculture)
- Winery and brewery operators still need a permit through Thurston County Public Health if warewashing of glass will occur in the facility. Complete and submit the new food establishment application.
Exempt from Food Permit
Certain food items may be exempt from permit based on Chapter 246-215, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), 8-301.12 Exempt from Permit. The exemption is valid for one year from February 1st to January 31st, and must be renewed annually. Exempt food items include popcorn (including kettle corn), cotton candy, dried herbs and spices (if processed in an approved facility), corn on the cob, whole roasted peppers (if roasted for immediate service), roasted nuts (including candy coated), individual fruit & vegetable samples (slices from non-TCS produce), chocolate dipped ice cream bars (prepared using commercially prepared pre-packaged ice cream bars), and chocolate dipped bananas (prepared from bananas peeled and frozen in an approved facility).
This application must be submitted at least 14 calendar days prior to date of food service. Plan review fees will be billed according to the Environmental Health Fee Schedule once review is complete. Fees must be paid prior to being approved to operate.
Exempt from Food Permit Application
Donor Kitchens
Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS) Reporting Print Materials
English & Spanish Flyer Combined | English Flyer | Spanish Flyer
Other Documents
- Contact Food Safety staff if you want to submit a request for Sanitary Code variance.
*Notice regarding payments by credit or debit card: If paying by credit or with debit card, you will be responsible for paying the processing fee of 2.35% of the total amount due or a minimum of $2.00, whichever is greater. You also have the option to pay by check or cash without any additional fee. Please do not send cash through the mail.
Contact the Food and Environmental Services Section at 360-867-2667 or send an email to foodapplication@co.thurston.wa.us with additional questions.