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What is a temporary food business?
Temporary food businesses operate at events such as:
- Fairs
- Festivals
- Fundraisers
- Farmers markets
- Concert series
- Sporting events
- Circuses
- Carnivals
- Conventions
Temporary food businesses must operate at the same location with a fixed menu for:
- Less than 21 days, or
- Up to 3 days per week for an approved recurring event, such as a farmers market or concert series.
At least one person with a valid food worker card must be at the event at all times to oversee other workers.
Permit fees
| Permit type | Single Event Permit | Multiple (5) Event Permits | Unlimited Event Permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $126 | None | $252 |
| Moderate | $315 | $756* | $882* |
| Complex | $441 | $819* | $1,008* |
*A certified booth operator is required. $126 course fee.
Blanket permit, $252 non-refundable deposit + $252 per hour for all inspector services.
Certified Booth Operator training - part of the voluntary incentive program
This training is for those vendors participating in the voluntary incentive permit program. Multiple and unlimited moderate or complex permits require each business to have a Certified Booth Operator. But they are not required to be on-site during the market or event.
- Certification lasts 2 years.
- We honor current Tacoma-Pierce County Certified Booth Operator certifications in King County.
- You must preregister. We will not allow walk-ins.
How to register for a class
Register for a class using the Public Health Permit Center. Navigate to the "Apply" page and search for "Certified Booth Operator," and follow the instructions to create an account and register.
If you prefer to use a paper form, please print, fill out and mail the Certified Booth Operator Application form (320 KB) to our office with a check for payment.
Courses are located in downtown Seattle at the Chinook Building, 401 – 5th Ave. The course rooms are located on the ground floor past the elevators.
2026 CBO class dates (2nd Tuesday of each month)
Chinook Room 121 from 10 am to 11:30 am unless otherwise listed:
- May 12, 2026, Room #115
- June 9, 2026, Room #115
- July 14, 2026, Room #121
- August 11, Room #121
- September 8 (room to be announced)
- October 13 (room to be announced)