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Board extends comment period for proposed Thurston County food-service code updates after staff presentation and stakeholder concerns
Summary
Public Health staff proposed updates to Thurston County food-service code (Articles 1 & 2) to align with WAC 246-215, streamline permitting, broaden enforcement and add civil penalties; board agreed to extend the public-comment period and reconvene the hearing in October to allow further outreach to restaurant and vending stakeholders.
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services presented proposed updates to County Code Articles 1 and 2, which govern food-service permitting and enforcement, during a public hearing on Aug. 12.
Jesse Smith, the county’s food program manager, told the board the updates aim to align local code with WAC 246-215, incorporate existing policy into code language, clarify local requirements and broaden enforcement authority. Smith said one substantive addition would be the option to use civil penalties — a lower-level enforcement tool — for operating without a permit, alongside existing civil-infractions routes through the courts. Staff emphasized the primary goal remains voluntary compliance and helping establishments meet permitting requirements.
Smith also described operational streamlining, such as reducing repeat permit application steps for catering add-on permits that operate at festivals and explained the county’s point-based inspection system for reinspections and closures. For repeat high-risk violations the county is proposing clearer follow-up requirements, including a two-week plan for corrective actions.
Several board members and commenters urged more outreach to restauranteurs and street vendors, noting recent restaurant-tour meetings raised operational concerns and that many vendors operate outside the county. Staff said they are updating guidance materials, planning informational videos and will translate materials and coordinate with Spanish-speaking plan-review staff and the Thurston County Chamber and other stakeholders.
After discussion, a board member moved to extend the public-comment period and continue the public hearing to the October meeting to allow broader stakeholder review and outreach. The motion carried on a voice vote with no recorded oppositions. Staff will circulate a link to the proposed code changes and continue outreach before the October hearing.
