Do you use or serve as a commissary kitchen?

Washington state food code requires commissaries to have a permit.

If the kitchen you use to support your food establishment doesn’t have a Commissary Permit, share this information with them.

If other operators already use your commissary, you don’t need to do anything. We will send you a 2023 Commissary Permit with no fee. You will need to buy a Commissary Permit in 2024.

What qualifies as a commissary?

A commissary kitchen provides space for operators to make, store, portion, or package food. Certain operators must use a commissary:

• Caterers.
• Mobile food operators.
• Temporary event vendors.
• Some to-go style restaurants.

Benefits of a commissary permit.

When your business has a commissary permit, you make it easier for food businesses to find a kitchen that supports their operation.

If you own both a mobile unit and the food establishment it uses as a commissary, you don’t need a commissary permit.

For example, if own a dine-in restaurant and a food truck, you don’t need a commissary permit. If you want to allow other food businesses to use your kitchen, you need to apply for a permit.

You don't need to do anything if other operators already use your commissary kitchen.

You will receive a 2023 Commissary Permit with no fee. You will need to buy a Commissary Permit in 2024.

If you make a change, you need to submit a plan review application. This includes if you:

• Change your plan facility floor plan or equipment list.
• Add more operators to the kitchen.
• Change ownership.

Planning to open a commissary?

You must submit a plan review application and get final approval before operators can use your kitchen. Applying for a Commissary Permit does not guarantee approval. Learn more about opening a commissary kitchen.

Questions?

Contact us at (253) 649-1706 or food@tpchd.org. Learn more about commissary requirements.