Starting or Revising a Food Business

Are you opening a new food service establishment, revising an existing establishment, or changing ownership in Snohomish County? The Washington State Retail Food Code requires that your plans be reviewed and approved by the Snohomish County Health Department. This review process will help ensure that your plans and equipment meet state and local health requirements. Information on the different permit types can be found on the Food Permits page.

We're here to help you with the process. We offer plan review consultations.

For more information on starting, revising, or changing ownership of a food business, please click a button below.

Starting a Food Business
Revising a Food Business
Change of Ownership

PLAN REVIEW CONSULTATIONs

To help save time and help make your permitting process easier, you can now schedule a plan review consultation with one of our reviewers to answer general questions about your project. We understand that every project has different needs, and we want to help you succeed. To request a consultation, fill out the application through our online portal. The cost for a consultation is $235.

EXAMPLES OF CONSULTATION SERVICES: 

  • Change of ownership - Assess the facility you are looking to purchase and ensure that you will be in compliance with the Snohomish County Health Department requirements. This is a popular option for new owners.
  • New food service establishment - Help explain and guide you through the plan review process. Assist you with answering any questions or concerns.
  • Remodel/revision to approved plan - Determine how the proposed changes will affect your operation and explain any requirements that will need to be addressed.

Our scheduled appointments can be held at our Everett office or your proposed facility location. Once a consultation request has been submitted through our online portal, the plan reviewer will contact you to set up the appointment time and meeting location. To help prepare for a consultation, we ask that you do the following:

  • Become familiar with our minimum equipment requirements for food service establishments.
  • Have an idea about what type of establishment you are planning to operate. 
  • Come prepared with your questions.

Frequently asked questions / PReguntas frecuentes

If you have any other questions about the Plan Review process, contact the Snohomish County Health Department Food Safety voicemail line at 425-339-8730 or Email Food Safety.