What You Need to Know
Tips to operate a food business in Pierce County.
Selling or closing your food business? Changing your menu or equipment? Read below to find out what you need to do.
Closing?
If your food business is closing, fill out a Closure Statement. Email it to food@tpchd.org or mail or bring it in to the Health Department.
Changing ownership?
Food Establishment Permits are not transferable to different owners or locations. You cannot operate without a valid permit. New food business owners must contact the Health Department and:
- Complete a Change of Ownership Application.
- Provide a copy of your Washington State Business License (or UBI number).
- Purchase a Change of Ownership inspection and Food Establishment Permit.
- If you want to change your menu or equipment—submit a Plan Review Packet.
We require Plan Review for facilities that have been closed for more than 30 days.
If you are considering purchasing an existing food establishment, you may be able to have a pre-change of ownership inspection to see what changes may be required when you take ownership, similar to a home inspection.
Call (253) 649-1706 or email food@tpchd.org for more info.
Changing menu or equipment?
When you change your menu or equipment, the Health Department must review and approve your plan before you make changes. See our Plan Review information.
Changing the name of your facility?
Contact us for more information. Email food@tpchd.org or call (253) 649-1417 and press 0.
Renewing your permit?
Food establishment permits are valid Feb. 1 through Jan. 31 each year. Permit renewal invoices are mailed mid-December and are due Feb. 1. You can:
- Pay online with Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
- By mail with business check or money order.
- In person with cash, business check, money order, Visa or MasterCard.
We will mail your permit once all your outstanding invoices are paid. Post your permit where customers can see it.
Paying an invoice?
To pay any Health Department invoice, you can:
- Pay online with Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
- Mail a check or money order.
- Bring in cash, business check, money order, Visa or MasterCard.
Helpful links
Prefer a language other than English?
Let us know. We have free language services, like document translation and interpreters. Contact (253) 649-1706 or food@tpchd.org.