Permitting and Resources

Opening a New Establishment

Below are the steps required to open a new food establishment in Whitman County. Food Establishment Permits are valid from February 1st to January 31st each year and must be renewed annually.

Step One: Apply

Complete a Food Establishment Plan Review Application. An inspector reviews your application. If approved, the information is sent to our Finance Team to begin processing your invoice. If not approved, the inspector will contact you with further instructions or questions.

Note: If your establishment will also offer catering and/or a mobile unit, an additional application for those services will need to be submitted.

Step Two: Schedule an Inspection

Once your application is approved, an inspector will contact you to schedule a pre-operational inspection.

Step Three: Pay Your Invoice

An invoice will be provided after your pre-operational inspection. Please do not provide payment until you have received an invoice. Invoices can be paid through the following ways:

• Online here
  
• In person at our Pullman or Colfax office locations
  
• Mailed to the following address: 310 N. Main Street, Ste. 108 Colfax, WA 99111

Renewing a Food Establishment Permit

To renew a permit for a food establishment that has had no changes to ownership, menu, or physical facilities, submit a Food Establishment Permit Renewal Application.

Other Applications

Resources and Handouts

Below are printable signage and other resources to assist food establishments.

Signage

• Refrigerator Stacking Sign
  
• Cooking Temperatures
  
• Handwash Sink Only
  
• Wash Your Hands

Other Resources

• Food Establishment Definitions
  
• Washington State Retail Food Code