All food vendors are required to have a temporary food establishment permit to offer food at events that are open to the public. An event is considered public if it is advertised.  A “temporary food establishment" means a food establishment:

1. Operating at a fixed location, with a fixed menu, for not more than twenty-one consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration, such as a fair or festival; or
2. Operating not more than three days a week at a fixed location, with a fixed menu, in conjunction with an approved, recurring, organized event, such as a farmers market.

Private events where food is offered without compensation, such as church dinners or events for members and their guests only, are not required to obtain temporary food establishment permits. Nonprofit organizations operating for religious, charitable, or educational purposes may offer homemade baked goods (that do not require temperature control for safety) without a permit. These items must be prepared and wrapped in a sanitary manner. There must be a visible sign stating that the foods are prepared in a home kitchen that is not inspected by a regulatory authority.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT

• Mobile Food Units that have not been inspected and approved for use by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries will not be permitted by the Snohomish County Health Department. Please visit The L&I Food Trucks & Trailers page for more information. 
• At least 1 person working in the temporary food establishment must have a valid food worker card posted, although we encourage all people working to have a valid cards.
• Coordinator’s Checklist for a Temporary Food Event (PDF): This form is required for multiple day events or events with 4 or more food vendors. Temporary event coordinators must submit this form to the Snohomish County Health Department at least 30 days before to the event.
• Requirements to Operate at Temporary Events (PDF). Also available in Spanish.
• Temporary Permit Categories (PDF)
• A fully completed application and permit fee must be turned in to the Snohomish County Health Department 14 days or more before the event to avoid a late fee charge. Postmarked dates will not be recognized. Late applications turned in 1-13 days before the event will require a late fee. Late applications will not be accepted without the late fee. If there are fewer than two days before the event, you cannot apply online and must apply in person at the Snohomish County Health Department. 
  • Application for Temporary Food Establishment Permit (PDF)
  • Application for Temporary Food Establishment Permit in Spanish (PDF) 

We accept applications in person, by mail or you can create an account to submit temporary food service applications online.

Snohomish County Health Department
Attn: Temporary Food Permit Coordinator
3020 Rucker Avenue
Everett, WA 98201

TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT FEES

Temporary food establishment permit fee will be determined by the types of food being served and the type of processes used to prepare the food. To determine which temporary food permit you need, use the checklist on the first page of the Application for Temporary Food Establishment Permit above.

LOW RISK

 MEDIUM RISK

HIGH RISK 

Required for menu items that involve handling open raw animal foods or cooling

EXEMPT FROM PERMIT 

When serving foods that are specifically identified as exempt from permit under WAC 246-215-08305, you may submit an application for exemption from permit. No foods may be added or subtracted from the menu items listed on the application. 

• Application for Exemption from Permit (PDF)