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Sep
23

Who to contact when starting a food business

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  2. Public Health — Seattle & King County
  3. Environmental Health Services
  4. Food protection
  5. Food business permits
  6. List of external agencies

Who to contact when starting a food business

List of important external agencies

To sell any food or beverage, you need to contact several agencies to find out what you need to do. Most agencies have an information specialist who can answer your specific questions. Which agencies you need to contact will depend on your particular business. When in doubt, call the agency.
Permits are needed to sell any alcoholic beverage. An information packet for license application is available at 360-664-1600.

Washington State Liquor Control Board, Seattle Office
2101 6th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101

You may need to contact your local building department to discuss issues such as zoning and building occupancy requirements, plan review, inspections, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, ventilation, etc.
For issues involving street use permits for mobile food carts and sidewalk cafes:
  • City of Seattle
    Street Use Division
    Seattle Municipal Tower
    700 5th Ave, Suite 2300
    Seattle, WA 98104
    206-684-5253

  • Suburban cities and towns in King County
    Look in the Blue Pages of the telephone book for your city (can be found under City Hall, City Clerk, etc.) or, if unavailable, contact the King County Permitting and Environmental Review at 206-296-6600.
  • City of Seattle
    Seattle Public Utilities
    Seattle Municipal Tower
    700 5th Ave, Suite 4900
    Seattle, WA 98104
    206-684-3000

  • Suburban cities and towns in King County
    Contact your local sewer district.

  • Septic tanks
    If your food business will be on a septic tank, you will need approval from the King County Sewage Review Board. Call our Eastgate Public Health Office at 206-477-8050 for assistance.
  • City of Seattle
    Fire Department
    229 3rd Ave. S.
    Seattle, WA 98104
    206-386-1443

  • Unincorporated King County
    King County Permitting and Environmental Review
    35030 SE Douglas St., Ste. 210
    Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9266
    206-296-6600
    For new construction, call: 206-296-6615

  • Suburban cities and towns in King County
    Look in the Blue Pages of the telephone book for your city (can be found under City Hall, City Clerk, etc.) or, if unavailable, contact the King County Permitting and Environmental Review at 206-296-6600.
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