Every fixed food establishment (incl. ghost kitchens) needs an annual permit. Fee scales by menu complexity (Level 1 low / 2 medium / 3 high) and prior-year gross revenue. HACCP add-on permit $767 for special processes. Inspection frequency 1-3x/yr by level.
Turnaround: 6-8 weeks in normal volume; currently 8-12 weeks (initial comments 3-5 weeks) during a permitting-system transition
Annual Commissary Agreement with a permitted kitchen required (unless unit meets commissary-exemption criteria) for all food/equipment storage, warewashing, and water supply. Washington State Labor & Industries approval required before operating. Reciprocity units also pay a permit fee.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caterer | $1,150/yr (2026) | Contracted to prepare food in an approved establishment for service elsewhere. Annual Commissary Agreement with a permitted kitchen required unless the caterer has its own permitted kitchen. Point of sale at a public event requires an additional permit. |
| Commissary / central preparation kitchen | $460/yr (Public Kitchen permit, 2026) | Public Kitchen permit covers kitchens used as a commissary by other permit holders, non-profit/church/grange kitchens serving the public intermittently, or cooking-class kitchens. |
| Grocery / market with deli | Base grocery permit $329/yr; add-on by department complexity: +$235 (Level 1) / +$751 (Level 2) / +$1,611 (Level 3) (2026) | Base grocery permit covers packaged/cold-holding goods; deli or prepared-food departments are added at the applicable complexity level. |
| Bar / limited food service | $2,357-$2,908/yr (2026; bars are classed Level 3 High Complexity, priced by gross revenue) | Bars/grills are Level 3 complexity under Clark County's menu-complexity system; there is no separate 'bar' permit type - fee follows the Level 3 annual permit revenue tiers. |
| Temporary / seasonal event | Temporary event: $147 (1-3 days, Level 1) / $283 (1-3 days, Level 2-3) / $519 (4-21 days); Seasonal (<=6 months, fixed location): $537; Multiple Event (food booths): $399/$979/$1,764 by level (2026) | Late fee $157 if submitted <14 days before event. Commissary Agreement required for multiple-event/food-booth operations. |
| Pushcart / mobile vending | $470 (Level 1) / $1,221 (Level 2) / $1,957 (Level 3) per year (2026) | Mobile Unit permit; includes stationary coffee kiosks/non-permanent structures. Commissary Agreement + WA Labor & Industries approval required. New/change-of-ownership mobile plan review $1,113. |