Food Establishment Permits

The Health Department issues permits to all retail food establishments in Cowlitz County, including temporary food establishments, in accordance with the Rule and Regulations of the State Board of Health for Food Service 246-215 WAC.

Washington State Retail Food Code Working Document

Related Health Deparment Web links

• Plan Review Process

• Food-borne Illness

• Food Complaints

• Food Handler  Testing

• Food Service Inspections

• Restaurant Inspection Reports

• Hepatitis A

• School Safety

• Temporary Food Permits

• Consumer Food Safety

• Water Testing

Related Outside  Websites

• Food Safety Training and Workshops

• Food Safety Program (DOH)

• Food Safety Tips

• Emergency Water Supply Guidelines for Food Service Establishments

What types of food permits are issued?

• Permanent Permit - For a food establishment that operates in a fixed location for more than 21 consecutive days.

• Temporary Permit - For a food establishment that operates in a location for no longer than 21 days in conjunction with a single event or celebration.

• Mobile Permit

How to get a permanent food establishment permit 

• To obtain a food establishment permit, a person must submit an application and the applicable permit fee to the Health Department.

• For existing food establishment and operators, renewal permit notices are mailed at the end of each calendar year.

• New food establishments* must submit properly prepared plans and specifications to the Health Department for approval prior to applying for a permit (Plan Review Process).

(*This includes a food establishment in a building not previously used or a new operator of an existing establishment).  Existing food establishments proposing to significantly change their food service menu or preparation or extensively remodel their facility must also submit properly prepared plans and specifications for review.

What services do environmental health professionals provide for Cowlitz County?  

• Issue food establishment permits for approved facilities.

• Review plans for new or remodeled food establishments.

• Conduct pre-opening inspections of food service facilities.

• Provide technical expertise on food safety issues and food service regulations for food service operators.

Person in Charge (PIC) Training

for Food Workers

Presented By: Washington State University Cowlitz County Extension

2010 Training Dates:

Upcoming PIC Classes

For information regarding (PIC) classes in spanish please 

contact Melissa at 360-414-5583.

Fees

• Fees for plan review application must be paid at time of plan submittal.

• Annual permit fees vary depending on size of facility and extent of food services.

• Fee Schedule

Forms and Information

• Questions, Services or Complaint Form

• Annual Food Permit Application

• Plan Review

• Food Handler Testing

• Hepatitis A

• Temporary Food Service Permit

• Commissary Agreement Form