Temporary Food Establishments

What is a Temporary Food Establishment?

These are food stands that operate for a short time at a specific event. They stay in one fixed spot during the event. Common examples include:

• Fairs and festivals
• Farmers' markets
• Community celebrations

Requirements

These establishments can operate indoors or outdoors. However, because they often have limited equipment and facilities (like sinks), they can be higher risk. To ensure safety, you are often required to use an approved commissary kitchen to prepare your food in advance. Please note, that temporary events often require land use permits from Planning & Community Development.

Please see the Guidance Manual below and Island County Food Code for additional information related to temporary food establishments.

• Island County Food Code
• Island County Food Vendor Guidelines

Temporary Event Applications

If you are coordinating a Temporary Event, please use the following document:

• Coordinator's Checklist for a Temporary Event

To begin the process of obtaining a temporary food establishment, please see the documents below.

• Temporary Food Establishment Application
• Commissary Agreement Form
• Temporary Food Booth Requirements

To apply for an exemption, please see the Permit Exemption Application.

** iPhone users: Please note that you will need the Acrobat Reader app from Adobe  (free) to submit your pdf. Go to https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/mobile.html for more information. 

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are recurring events regulated like temporary food establishments. As a vendor, you will operate under one of two options:

• The Organizer's Permit: You are covered by the market's master permit.
• Your Own Permit: You apply for and hold your own individual permit.

We work closely with market organizers to review all vendors. We will determine if you need a permit or if you qualify for an exemption. Check the Farmers Market Permit Matrix below to see which option applies to you.

Application Documents

• Farmers Market Permit Matrix
• Farmers Market Application
• Commissary Agreement Form

iPhone Users: You must use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app to fill out and submit your PDF. Click here for more information.

Have questions or need to schedule a meeting before you apply? Email: foodsafety@islandcountywa.gov