Locally administered by Thurston County Environmental Health. Annual permit fee is set by risk category (Minimal/Low/Medium/High) and facility square footage; a full-service restaurant is typically Medium or High Risk. Figures from the PHSS Environmental Health 2025 Fee Schedule.
Turnaround: Goal of an initial response to complete applications within 20 business days
Washington runs a statewide Mobile Food Unit program; Thurston EH issues/inspects the local permit. A servicing area (permitted building, not another truck) is required for supply, water, plumbing, trash and dish cleaning; pushcarts must return nightly.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caterer | $270 (Catering Service added to a Medium or High Risk permit) | Thurston prices catering as a $270 add-on to a medium/high-risk food establishment permit rather than a stand-alone license. |
| Commissary / central preparation kitchen | null - no distinct commissary fee line; a commissary is permitted under the risk-based Food Establishment schedule matching its activity/size. Confirm with Food & Environmental Services (360-867-2667). | Mobile units must operate from an approved servicing area/commissary. |
| Bakery / food processing | null - not broken out separately; a retail bakery is permitted under the risk-based Food Establishment schedule ($200-$2,250 by risk/size). Confirm classification with EH. | No stand-alone bakery fee line on the county schedule. |
| Bar / limited food service | null - not broken out separately; permitted under the risk-based Food Establishment schedule by risk category and square footage. Confirm classification with EH. | Risk/size determines the fee rather than a dedicated bar category. |
| Grocery / market with deli | null - grocery/markets with in-store food prep are permitted under the risk-based Food Establishment schedule ($200-$2,250 by risk/size); no dedicated grocery line. Confirm with EH. | Risk category rises with the amount of on-site food handling/deli prep. |
| Temporary / seasonal event | Low Risk $95 (1-21 days/recurring); Medium Risk $135 (1-3 days) or $230 (4-21 days); High Risk higher (confirm on schedule). Non-profit discount of at least 25%. | Temporary food permits are priced by risk and duration; late application (<14 days before event) adds a fee. |
| Pushcart / mobile vending | null - Thurston's 2025 schedule lists no separate mobile/pushcart fee; mobile units are permitted under the risk-based Food Establishment schedule ($200-$2,250) and require an approved servicing area. Confirm the mobile classification/fee with EH (360-867-2667). | Pushcarts must return to the servicing area each night. |