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- Change of Ownership
Change of Ownership
Change of ownership is a process for new owners to operate an existing food service establishment currently permitted in Snohomish County. The change of ownership application needs to be submitted when there is a change in the Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. Food service establishment permits are not transferable to different owners or locations. To qualify as a change of ownership, no changes to the food service establishment, menu, or equipment can be made.
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ESTIMATED TIME to schedule a change of ownership inspection
The estimated timeline to schedule a change of ownership inspection is currently at 2 weeks. Do not submit plans until the operation is taken over due to the restrictive conditional operating permit 90-day timeline.
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.
Change of Ownership Process
There are five main steps to the change of ownership process.
1. SUBMITTAL. Prior to taking over an existing food business, submit the change of ownership application. A copy of the water and sewer service invoice for the facility will need to be included with the application.
2. CONDITIONAL OPERATING PERMIT. Upon receiving your application and payment, you will receive a conditional operating permit which will expire after 90 days.
3. INSPECTION. Within the first 2 weeks of operation, you will be contacted by an inspector to schedule your first inspection to determine if your facility meets all the current state and local health requirements.
4. RESULT OF INSPECTION. If your facility requires upgrades, these upgrades will need to be completed and approved by the Snohomish County Health Department prior to the 90 day expiration date of your conditional operating permit. Some changes may require plan review approval. Plan review submittal is recommended as quickly as possible to allow sufficient time to work with the plan reviewer and make the necessary changes. If all required upgrades are not completed and approved prior to the expiration date, your conditional operating permit will be pulled, and you will be required to close.
5. ANNUAL OPERATING PERMIT. Once the facility is fully compliant, you must purchase your annual operating permit.
Change of Ownership Application
Change of Ownership applications can be emailed to the Food Safety program, they cannot be submitted online.