Food Plan Review Process
Food Establishment Operating Permit Requirements
All food establishments operating in Pierce County must be licensed or permitted by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department unless specifically exempted by code. To obtain an exemption, an applicant must meet all requirements set forth in WAC 246-215 paragraph 8-301.12 and be exempted in writing by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Otherwise, all food establishments must obtain a permit from the Health Department prior to opening a new food establishment or buying an existing business from another owner.
Permit Renewal
Once open, permits must be renewed by January 31 of each year. Permits can be either renewed online, in person, or by mail.
Change of Ownership
Operating permits are site specific and are not transferable to new owners. New owners must complete a change of ownership statement, permit application and make payment for their operating permit. If there are changes to the menu or equipment, a plan review is required.
New Facilities
New facilities will be required to buy a new operating permit after completing the plan review process.
Plan Review Requirements for New Food Establishments or Change to Existing Facilities
Prior to construction or remodeling, food service establishments must submit detailed design plans and equipment specifications for approval by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. This review can also occur when a facility goes thorough a change of menu, operating process, equipment, or commissary. This assists establishments by ensuring compliance with Code requirements.
Once the submitted plan review application has been reviewed and approved, the applicant will receive an approval letter. The operator must then complete and turn in a permit application and buy all necessary operating permits. Once all construction is complete, the operator may then schedule a pre-opening inspection. The pre-opening inspection is conducted to verify that all design and installation requirements have been met. Until the pre-opening inspection has been conducted and passed, the food establishment will not be allowed to open for business. If a facility opens without passing the pre-opening inspection, the facility will be closed.
The information contained within this section of the Food & Community Safety website contains the complete application package and details needed for a Food Service Establishment plan review.
We realize the information requested is extensive. However, all of the information requested is needed to review your application in a timely manner.All applications, which do not have the required information, will be returned to the applicant for completion before being reviewed. A re-submittal fee will also be charged for any applications returned due to lack of requested information. Submission of a complete plan review application will allow for a faster approval.
The plan review checklist was specifically designed to help guide you through the plan review process. Use this tool to help you ensure that your plan review application is complete before submitting it.
Before designing your facility and submitting your Plan Review Application, you should read the Washington State Food Service Regulations.
Agency Resource List
This site has contact information for other agencies whose approval you will need before applying for the food plan review process.
Food Plan Review Application
Download a Food Plan Review Application for your new restaurant, mobile cart, truck or trailer. Just making changes to an existing facility, download the Change of Menu/Equipment form.
Food Plan Review Guidelines
View a sample plan review or download the Food Plan Review Guidelines for further clarification of the Food Plan Review Form.
We hope the information on this website will assist you in the process. If, after reading the information, you have any questions, please call our office at (253) 798-6460. Our hours of operation are 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Thank you for helping us serve you better.
Last Updated: Jul 15, 2010 4:36 PM