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Who to contact when starting a food business
To sell any food or beverage, you need to contact several agencies to find out what you need to do. Most agencies have an information specialist who can answer your specific questions. Which agencies you need to contact will depend on your particular business. When in doubt, call the agency.
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
Permits are needed to sell any alcoholic beverage. An information packet for license application is available at 360-664-1600.
Washington State Liquor Control Board, Seattle Office
2101 6th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
Building departments
You may need to contact your local building department to discuss issues such as zoning and building occupancy requirements, plan review, inspections, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, ventilation, etc.
- City of Seattle
Dept. of Construction & Inspections
- Unincorporated King County
Dept. of Local Services: Permits
- Suburban cities and towns in King County (frequently under the permits office or building dept. of each city/town website)
- Washington State Dept. of Licensing
Street use requirements
For issues involving street use permits for mobile food carts and sidewalk cafes:
- City of Seattle, Street Use Division
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Ave, Suite 2300
Seattle, WA 98104
206-684-5253
- Suburban cities and towns in King County (frequently under the permits or transportation office of each city/town website)
- For unincorporated areas of King County, contact the King County Permits Office
Sewer availability
- Seattle Public Utilities
- Suburban cities and towns in King County
- See list of local sewer districts from the King County Wastewater Treatment Division
- Onsite septic systems (tanks)
If your food business will be on a septic tank, you will need approval from the King County Sewage Review Board. Call our Eastgate Public Health Office at 206-477-8050 for assistance.
Fire departments
- City of Seattle, Fire Department
- Unincorporated King County
King County Permitting and Environmental Review - Suburban cities and towns in King County
Business licenses
- Seattle Finance: Business Licenses (Where to obtain business licenses for establishments in Seattle)
- Unincorporated King County
King County government does not require a separate business license for establishments in unincorporated King County however you will need the appropriate food service permits from us to legally operate your food business. Return to the Food Business webpage for more information. - Suburban cities and towns in King County
- Master Business License, WA Dept. of Labor and Industries
Taxes
- Washington State Department of Revenue
State business and occupation tax, retail sales tax and use tax.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income tax withholding tables, withholding and Social Security taxes.
- Washington State Employment Security Department
- Washington State Department of Licensing
- Small Business Administration (Federal)