What permits do you need to open a restaurant in Kitsap County?

Liquor License — Local Authority Notice and Objection (RCW 66.24.010(8))

Liquor licenses in Kitsap County are issued by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, which collects the license fee. RCW 66.24.010(8) sets no fee for the local notice step. Under RCW 66.24.010(8)(a), before the Board issues a new or renewal license it 'must give notice of such application to the chief executive officer of the incorporated city or town, if the application is for a license within an incorporated city or town, or to the county legislative authority, if the application is for a license outside the boundaries of incorporated cities or towns.' For a restaurant or store in unincorporated Kitsap County that is the Board of County Commissioners; inside Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Port Orchard or Poulsbo it is the city. Under (8)(c) the city or county may file written objections 'within twenty days after the date of transmittal of such notice for applications, or at least thirty days prior to the expiration date for renewals', and the Board may extend that period. Under RCW 66.24.010(12) the Board must give substantial weight to local objections based on chronic illegal activity. Apply for the license itself with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Shared with other businesses in Kitsap County

• Permanent Food Establishment Annual Permit (Low Risk or High Risk class) — Kitsap Public Health District, Environmental Health Division, $340–$800 a year (2026 fees, Resolution 2025-06): Low Risk Class $340; High Risk Class $800; late payment adds 1% of the fee per day for up to 30 days, annual. Also required for coffee shops, retail stores and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the food trucks page.
• Food Establishment Plan Review — Kitsap Public Health District, Environmental Health Division, $855 per review (2026 fees, Resolution 2025-06, 'Food Establishment Plan Review - All Other Establishments'); change in menu and/or equipment review $265; change of ownership application $165, or two times that fee if not submitted 30 days before the change, one-time, before opening or before the change is made. Also required for coffee shops and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the retail stores page.
• Temporary Food Establishment Permit (single or recurring event) — Kitsap Public Health District, Environmental Health Division, $110–$240 per permit (2026 fees, Resolution 2025-06): single event Limited $110, Complex $165; recurring event Limited $130, Complex $240; permit-exempt food no charge; 25% surcharge for applications submitted from 13 to 2 days before the event, single event: up to 21 days in one location; recurring event: to the end of the recurring event or 1 year from issuance. Also required for food trucks and coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the food trucks page.
• Food Establishment Permit — Washington State Department of Health, Food Safety Program, $240–$1,386 a year, set by the local health jurisdiction — there is no state fee, annual, on a cycle the local jurisdiction sets. Also required for coffee shops and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.
• Food Worker Card — Washington State Department of Health, Food Safety Program, $10 per card, 2 years first time, 3 on renewal, 5 with extra food safety training. Also required for coffee shops and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.