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

Food Establishment Annual Permit (restaurants, cafes and seated food service)

A restaurant, cafe or other seated food establishment anywhere in Pierce County — Tacoma, every other city and town, and the unincorporated area — needs an annual food establishment permit from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, because Washington law makes the local board of health's jurisdiction coextensive with the county (RCW 70.05.030(1)(h); RCW 70.05.035(1)(h)). Per the 2026 Fee Schedule adopted by the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health on December 3, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, as published on tpchd.org/fees, the annual fee is $1,080 for 0-25 seats, $1,200 for 26-74 seats, $1,500 for 75 or more seats and $2,400 for a buffet with 125 or more seats. Other categories on the same table: Low Risk (includes tasting room, tavern without food) $660; Bakery $540; Caterer not part of a permitted food establishment $780, or $360 when part of one; Cocktail Lounge part of a permitted food establishment $360; Commissary $780 high risk or $240 low risk; Continental Breakfast $660 high risk or $360 low risk; Vending $120. An establishment enrolled in the Self Inspection Program with a certified food manager pays an annual fee 25% less. The schedule's footnotes state that an establishment open less than six consecutive months or after August 1 has its permit prorated 50% (minimum $100), and that new annual permits purchased following plan review or change of ownership are prorated monthly after March 1. Food plan review is charged separately (see the plan review record), and a pre-opening inspection is $360 on the same schedule.

Shared with other businesses in Pierce County Wa

• Food Plan Review — Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Environmental Health, 2026, per permit, including water adequacy office review: New $1,140; Change in Menu/Equipment and/or Process, Remodel $960; Commissary Kitchen $600; Change of Commissary $960; Grocery $780; Vending $720; Tasting Room/Lounge $480; Bed and Breakfast 3+ Rooms $240., one-time per project. Also required for coffee shops, food trucks and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the food trucks page.
• Temporary Food Establishment Permit — Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Environmental Health, $120–$540 per event at one location (2026): Limited Risk 1-21 consecutive days $120; Low Risk 1-21 consecutive days $240; High Risk 1-14 consecutive days $360; High Risk 15-21 consecutive days $540, per event (up to 21 consecutive days at the same location), or a multi-event long-term permit. 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.