DOH launched a new tool to report food safety complaint.
Beginning today, DOH encourages everyone in Washington to share food safety concerns through the state’s online Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS). Foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning, is caused by eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages. Although it’s preventable, one in six Americans gets food poisoning every year. People over 65, children under 5, and people who are pregnant or immunocompromised have an increased risk of severe illness. FINS is a one-stop shop to help local health jurisdictions identify the source of food-related illnesses and respond faster to outbreaks. The new reporting tool is here: https://redcap.doh.wa.gov/surveys/?s=L7THW4XYPDE9NYNC
Expanded Polystyrene Ban is Coming up June 1,2024
Effective June 1, 2024, expanded polystyrene food service products such as coolers, cups, plates, bowls, trays, and clamshells are banned for sale and distribution in or into Washington State. Exemptions to this law include: food service products used for packaging raw, uncooked, or butchered meat, fish, poultry, or seafood, vegetables, fruit, or egg cartons. Learn more here: https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/april-2024/food-packaging-laws-seek-to-reduce-litter-and-pfas-contamination
More New Fire Code Coming in 2024
The newest version of fire code: NFPA 96 will go into effect on March 14, 2024 and the IFC section 904 (regarding certification for design, installation and maintenance of fire suppression systems) will go into effect on July, 1 2024. What this means for us….
Per 4.6.5 For mobile cooking operations – drawings must be kept on board of the exhaust system installation along with copies of the operating instructions and include the electrical schematics, made available upon request to the fire authority.
To complicate things, there is no code path for L & I to incorporate NFPA Chapter 4 “General Requirements for Cooking Operations in Buildings and Mobile and Temporary Cooking Operations” , the chapter that would include the requirements for makeup air. This would fall under the Fire Marshals authority and could vary from one jurisdiction to the next. L & I is meeting with the Fire Marshals Association and are working for consistency on the requirements throughout the state.
It is also stated in the new fire code (that will take effect March 2024) that a visual and audible alarm be installed on the exterior of the vehicle when the ansul system is triggered (Per IFC 904 and NFPA Chapter 11 (11.5.2). It will only apply to new or altered units with L & I plan approvals on or after that date. However local jurisdictions may require it to operate in their area and may not grandfather previously approved units.
We are seeing individual fire jurisdictions creating new fire codes that differ from other fire jurisdictions, and we’re seeing new fire permit fees and inspection requirements from individual jurisdictions, a patchwork of regulation making it harder for you all to know what is required of you.
The WA State Food Truck Association spent almost 4-years trying to establish one standardized fire code for all food trucks in WA, with one annual fire permit fee, and one annual fire inspection. We even put a bill in the state legislature for two years (2018 & 2019), but out of approximately 1,700 mobile food vendors statewide only 21 actively supported our bill by sending emails to legislators, despite our many requests. If you want to learn more about how we got here and what you can do, please see the Fire Code page in Member Resources.
State Rep for Fire Marshals Recently Met w/ L & I Leadership:
1. The WA state fire code will be updated to NFPA 96 - 2021 version next year. We will learn the expected date of adoption in our upcoming L & I board meeting on November 18th, and let you know how this will affect you. The new fire marshal permit inspection checklist will be rolled out by mid-March 2024.
2. The Fire Marshal’s permit inspection checklist is being updated now to indicate that LPG tanks are not allowed on the back of a truck beyond the rear bumper except if approved by L & I, which the inspector could check by reviewing a copy of that plan set. L & I would only approve that configuration if engineered impact protection was provided. (None have yet been approved in our state.)
3. A new requirement on the updated fire inspection checklist is for operators to keep a copy of complete drawings for your hood suppression system on board.
4. Generators that are not vehicle-mounted must be located a minimum of 10 feet from combustibles (and generator exhaust is directed away from cooking operations, vehicles, buildings, exits & openings).
When the updated fire inspection checklist form is completed, we will send you all a copy for the coming year and post this in Member Resources on the Fire Code page.
*Just a reminder... our state code requires all mobile food units that produce grease laden vapors or smoke, or utilize LP-gas systems or CNG systems to comply and to have a fire permit. You need to contact your local fire marshal to request a mobile food unit fire permit inspection.
Washington's minimum wage will hit $16.28 per hour in 2024.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries just announced the increase to the minimum wage. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2024. In 2023, Washington has the highest state-level minimum wage in the nation. The federal minimum wage remains set at $7.25 an hour. Cities can set minimum wages higher than the state. Seattle ($18.69), SeaTac ($19.06), and Tukwila have higher wages for example. The state minimum wage applies to workers age 16 and older. Under state law, employers can pay 85 percent of the minimum wage to workers ages 14-15. For 2024, the wage for that younger group will be $13.84 per hour.
More information about the minimum wage is available on L&I's website, along with details about overtime, rest breaks, meal periods, and how to file a wage complaint. A poster with information about the 2024 minimum wage is also available in 15 different languages. Employers and workers may also call 360-902-5316 or 1-866-219-7321 with questions.
New Rules for Outdoor Heat Exposure
On June 27, 2023, the Department of Labor & Industries’ (L&I) adopted rules to update the Outdoor Heat Exposures rules under WAC 296-62-095 and 296-307-097. These changes are effective on July 17, 2023, and address minimum requirements to prevent heat-related illness and reduce traumatic injuries for workers associated with heat exposure. This is what you need to know:
Employers must include certain specific elements in their written outdoor heat exposure safety programs in a language employees understand.
Employers must encourage and allow employees to take preventative cool-down rest periods at or above (80 degrees) outdoor temperature action levels.
At or above 90°F, a 10-minute cool-down rest period every two hours and close observation to help identify employees showing signs and symptoms of heat-related illness is mandatory.
At or above 100°F, the cool-down rest periods must be 15 minutes every hour. These can be taken at the same time with any meal or rest period under wage and hour laws and must be paid unless taken during a meal period.
Restroom Distance
The Restroom code change (09150) for extending the restroom access to 500 feet was specific to mobile food units (food trucks and food trailers). The state board of health did not adjust the distance for restroom access in the main food code (05235) for all other food establishments (including temporary food booths) - it remains toilet access for employees within 200’.
New SOC code reporting required
In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed a law requiring employers to report SOC codes in their quarterly reports for unemployment insurance. Both taxable and reimbursable employers need to report SOC codes. Reporting SOC codes does not affect your tax rates. Fore more info on reporting your quarterly wage reports: https://esd.wa.gov/employer-taxes/about-EAMS-for-singles The Washington Employment Security Department is not enforcing the reporting requirement in Q4 of 2022 but may begin assessing noncompliance penalties in Q1 of 2023.
What are SOC codes? SOC stands for Standard Occupational Classification. It’s a federal coding system that helps government agencies and private businesses compare occupational data. This data is used by: Government program managers, industry and labor relations specialists, students considering career training. job seekers, vocational training schools, and employers wishing to set salaries or locate a new business.
SOC codes are not the same as codes you submit to the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Go to the L&I website for information about their risk classification codes or see our L & I Page (near the bottom). All SOC Food Prep & Serving related codes can be found here: https://www.bls.gov/soc/2018/major_groups.htm#35-0000
Questions about Standard Occupational Classification code reporting?
Contact socreporting@esd.wa.gov
Joule Case Powers Food Trucks in Washington!
We are happy to announce a new sponsor of your state food truck association… Joule Case, a Seattle based company that makes a lithium-based battery system to power your food truck, as an alternative to a fueled generator.
The Joule Case battery system frees vendors from the cost, noise, and smell of a traditional generator. Unlike many other power options, it can also easily scale to meet specific needs. If you are already using a generator and can let them know what the wattage rating is and how often you need to refuel, they can help you design a system that will work for you by matching (or exceeding) the wattage of the generator and sizing the battery bank to match your typical gas or propane consumption.
The Joule Case team just met with Emily from Orca Eats, on Vashon Island. "I love my Joule Case system, I've already used it for a week with absolutely no problems. The Joule setup is civilized and quiet, with no exhaust like I had with my propane powered generator." - Emily
Joule Case also installed a new system for Tessa, at Pink Gorilla Espresso. Tessa is an influencer in the Female Food Truckers Facebook group, with over 39k members. She shared how excited she was with Joule and has become one of their biggest fans.
The benefits of a Joule Case over a standard generator may seem obvious, however it's surprisingly pleasant to enjoy a nice meal or coffee in a new quiet environment. Imagine a more peaceful, enjoyable experience and the impact it will have for these businesses.
You can reach out to the Joule Case team through their website (www.joulecase.com), or emailing them at info@joulecase.com, or by calling (888) 200-5114 and they can help you design a battery solution that can save you money and provide a better experience for your customers.
More product details can be found here: https://joulecase.com/food-truck/
Joule Case has also just launched a Wefunder campaign if you are interested in investing in and scaling this new technology.
We greatly appreciate James Wagoner and the team at Joule Case because they are proving they support our industry and value our partnership!
04/20/21 - New Fire Permit Inspection King County
The King County fire marshals are developing a new fire inspection checklist, that they are hoping will become the new "standard" in an effort to meet the needs of the mobile vending community and to avoid having all food vendors repeat an inspection in every city. June 1st is their expected roll out date for this new program (although some agencies may be able to move a little faster than that – depending on how quickly they can make updates in their inspection forms and software). Fire Marshal’s in King County decided to recognize the burden on the food truck industry and over the past 3-months have developed this standardized fire inspection program along with a list of the participating agencies (fire authorities). As of today, they feel that most, if not all, of the fire jurisdictions in King County are agreeing to be listed as partners and a few outside of King County.
An example given... if you go through a fire inspection and receive your new annual fire permit (required by IFC 319) in the City of Tukwilla, you will then show this inspection report/checklist to any other city and not have to repeat the inspection. However, as a reminder, some cities charge for their permits.
The list of participating fire authorities is at the end of the new checklist document and the fire marshal's will add this "working list" to their master website soon. IFC 319 is new to mobiles in Washington, effective state wide July 1st, implemented by our state building code council.
04/19/21 Restaurant Revitalization Fund Update
Details on this new fund were published this past weekend and can be found here: www.sba.gov/restaurants and www.sba.gov/restaurantes (Spanish), and we wanted to share these other information sources:
a news release about the program info (this will be uploaded on www.sba.gov/news soon)
the sample application is available in 17 languages; translations of the program guide will be available soon.
03/01/21 Street Permit in Bellevue’s Spring District
The WSFTA in coordination with the property developer, Wright Runstad has designated a new street permit location for food trucks in Bellevue's developing Spring District. Like many other industries, the food truck industry was also hit very hard by the Covid crisis. In response, the Washington State Food Truck Association has been working to find new vending locations and to give diners a safe & quick, grab-n-go option from their favorite food truck. The food trucks will be set up along NE 14th Terrace St. next to the Facebook building. Customers can see a rotating variety of menus, the schedule and place orders ahead online using the StreetFoodFinder app or the weblink here: streetfoodfinder.com/springdistrict. Vendors wanting to participate can find all the details here: https://wafoodtrucks.org/bellevue-pilot
02/12/21 New L & I Partnership Project
The WSFTA will collaborate with Labor and Industry in raising Washington state small-business owners’ awareness of COVID-19 safety practices in the workplace. Ivy Worldwide is managing a program funded by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries with the goal of ensuring small business owners taking the necessary precautions to protect their workers on the job.
“We would appreciate the opportunity to work with the Washington State Food Truck Association to publish content in your social media channels supporting employers’ efforts to promote a safe workplace in the era of COVID-19. Your regular posts alerting owners/operators to statewide COVID-19 workplace safety measures indicate that you have an audience actively seeking and receptive to this information, and that constant flow of information to employers makes your organization a perfect fit for this state-sponsored project.”
02/10/21 Street Vending Pilot Program City of Bellevue
Bellevue's developing Spring District will begin hosting food trucks! It has been a long term project working with the City of Bellevue, to get food trucks permitted to vend on the street, which is currently not allowed under the city municipal code.
The WSFTA is running a “street vending” pilot program for the City of Bellevue, allowing eligible food trucks to vend in the Right of Way. Vendors who wish to participate will operate in the ROW via street permit and be required to apply through the Association meeting specific terms and conditions. There will be some restrictions regarding vendor size and cuisine type per location. Vendors can find all the requirements and details here: https://wafoodtrucks.org/bellevue-pilot
12/28/20 Food Code Revisions Adopted
Over the past 2-years, the WSFTA has been a member of the Food Safety Advisory Council, tasked to update and revise the state food code: WAC 246-215. The new food service rules become effective with a timeline staggered over the next 2.5 years. Rules regarding mobile food units will be effective January 15, 2021 and can be found here (see Chapter 9: WAC 246-215-09100 through WAC 246-215-09160) to include mobile food units, commissaries, mobile plan review, etc.
Effective March 1, 2022: All remaining provisions of the rule (excluding the Certified Food Protection Manager certification requirement, which will become effective March 1, 2023. Find the details here.
12/10/20 Snohomish Health Delays Permit Payments
The Snohomish Health District recognizes that these are very difficult times for the food service industry. A recent decision made by the Board of Health regarding your annual operating permit invoice and the permit late fee. Many of you have already received your annual invoice for your 2021 food service operating permit which states that your invoice will need to be paid in full prior to December 31 to avoid a late fee. On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the Board of Health passed Resolution 20-28 which allows the Health District to defer permit payment for three months.
Invoices originally due on December 31, 2020, are now due March 31, 2021. For the establishments that have chosen to temporarily close due to COVID operating restrictions, the $300 late fee has been waived so long as the permit renewal occurs before the facility reopens to the public. Facilities that have chosen to temporarily or permanently close must notify the Health District.
11/15/2020 - New Covid Restrictions for 4-weeks
From midnight on Monday, November 16 through Monday, December 14, all counties in Washington will rollback to the restrictions outlined here: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/COVID%2019%20November%20Statewide%20Restrictions.pdf
10/29/20 - Puyallup Extends Food Truck Pilot Program
The pilot program allows food truck vendors to vend from private properties, along certain streets, and in other areas as designated. The City will issue mobile food vendors a permit. The application for the pilot program food truck vendor permit is free, and the pilot program permit expires when the pilot program itself does, which is on October 31, 2021. You can apply online or in person. The printable permit application and more details about licensing and what is required here.
10/8/2020 - State minimum wage increases next year
Employers need to prepare for a higher state minimum wage starting on January 1, 2021. Next year’s minimum wage in Washington State will be $13.69 compared to $13.50 this year, which is currently the nation’s highest minimum wage, Labor & Industries (L&I) announced. This is the last year of a phased-in increase in minimum wages because of I-1433, which voters approved. The result is that 2021 will be the first year that the state minimum wage will return to being adjusted by inflation. The cities of Seattle and SeaTac have higher minimum wages adjusted by inflation, but as of this notice they had not announced minimum wages for 2021.
10/02/2020 - WSFTA Announces New Sponsorship
The Washington State Food Truck Association has just been sponsored by THE CLEAR CONSCIENCE, a producer of palm leaf dishes made of 100% palm leaves, formed under pressure and steam - and nothing else. This new serviceweare option is fully compostable in 90-days and are available in many different shapes, styles and sizes, perfect for mobile restaurant owners. You can see their product line and learn about the items on their main website here: https://theclearconscience.myshopify.com/ Association members receive a 25% discount via Ebay here: https://ebay.us/qbdzxC
09/25/2020 - New Effective Date for Fire Code
The 2018 International Fire Code for mobile food units has been pushed out again by the Governor to February 1, 2021. When it goes in to effect operational permits will be required. Per Bellevue Fire Marshal, the City of Bellevue will recognize valid operational permits issued by any Fire Agency in King County provided the vehicle and appliances are maintained in accordance with the conditions of the permit. Owners of mobile food units that produce grease-laden vapors will want to be sure to check with all municipalities they do business in, to see if they will require an individual inspection and permit, or if they will accept the permit issued by a neighboring jurisdiction.
09/09/2020 - New Lake Stevens Municipal Code
A new section: 14.44.085 defining Mobile Food Vendors was just adopted but with restrictions that do not address health & safety. The new mobile food vendor application fee is $150 and is on top of the requred city license fee, one of the highest in the state. Vendors may not be parked within 250-feet of any restaurant. Do brick restaurants have the same restrictions in Lake Stevens and is this equal treatment? What happened to Article 1, section 12 of the Washington State Constitution? The City had reached out to us for comment and guidance, as the voice for the mobile food industry, and ignored our recomendations.
09/08/2020 - Increase to unemployment insurance taxes
Most Washington State employers can expect 400-600% increases in unemployment insurance tax rates in 2021, according to new projections released by the Employment Security Department (ESD). Three developments have severely drained the state’s UI Trust Fund from which ESD pays benefits to jobless applicants: Restrictions imposed on businesses to protect against the spread of COVID-19 resulted in unprecedented benefit claims based on skyrocketing unemployment. ESD has been processing 10 times as many claims as would be normal if COVID-19 had not devastated the state economy to the extent it has. There are new benefit programs for independent contractors and furloughed employees. About $600 million in fraudulent payments were made to unqualified applicants who were part of an identity theft scheme to skim benefits from the state. ESD has reported that more than half of the fraudulent payments have been recovered. Before the pandemic, the trust fund was in good shape. The Washington UI system was one of only three states that did not require a loan from the federal government to remain solvent during the recession in the early 2000s. ESD now expects the trust fund could become insolvent early next year without financial relief.
09/01/2020 - Significant changes coming to food code
WAC Chapter 246-215 is under revision and will have an impact on mobiles. Just as a reminder, this has been some of the work we have done over the past 2-years as a member of the state Food Safety Advisory Committee. Washington's Food Rule Revision has a proposed rule comment period and it is open until 9/29/2020. Find below links to proposed rule and how to officially comment. If you haven’t had a chance to view the materials, please start here for a quick highlight of the changes: Drafted Top 10 Proposed Changes to Chapter 246-215 WAC (PDF) https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/4400/FoodCodeRuleRevision-DraftTop10Changes.pdf
A public hearing on the rule changes is scheduled for October 13, 2020, with an implementation date to be determined, but likely later in 2021. See the full rule revisions being considered here:https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Food/FoodWorkerandIndustry/FoodSafetyRules/FoodCodeRuleRevision
08/01/2020 - Food Trucks Partner to Fight Hunger
In a time where our small businesses struggle and hunger grows, two organizations came up with a creative idea. Nourishing Networks combined resources with the Washington State Food Truck Association to create the Mobile Meal Alliance, a food truck meal voucher program. The partnership program is funded through donations by churches, civic groups, and other community members. Funds are turned into printed meal vouchers that are distributed to local non-profits, including the YMCA, Salvation Army, local food banks, and the Bellevue School District’s Family Connection Centers. Food trucks are scheduled by the food truck association and hosted at churches, food banks and other residential-area businesses. Read more here….
07/27/2020 - Rezoning for Food Trucks in Mukilteo?
The Mukilteo City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 7:00 PM. The city is considering an amendment to the zoning code to allow food trucks within certain zoning districts. All members of the public are welcome to provide testimony either virtually at the public hearing or in writing. Written comments, which will be provided to the City Council, will be accepted by email to lritter@mukilteowa.gov until 4:30 PM on August 3, 2020.
07/22/2020 - New Food Truck Code for Lake Stevens
The City of Lake Stevens is accepting public comments on the proposed mobile vending unit (food truck) ordinance. A public hearing will be held at Planning Commission via Zoom on August 5, 2020. Written commentary can be submitted to Jill Needham at jneedham@lakestevenswa.gov. Click here for the official notice and click here for the draft of the proposed code. We oppose the city wanting to charge for both a city business license plus a mobile food vending license, and the no vending from 4pm to 6pm time restriction.
06/30/20 - Seattle Offers Free 6-Month Street Permit
Seattle DOT is now offering a temporary vending permit for up to six months that will allow greater flexibility for mobile food vendors to try out new sites and go to where people are located during the pandemic. This option is available for both trucks and carts vending food. To qualify for the temporary vending option, the vending should be: Up to a four-hour block of time daily (such as between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for the lunch hour), if vending food, should not be within 50 feet of an existing food service business, unless there is support from adjacent food businesses, and not located in a loading zone (for curb space locations). Additionally, they will allow more than two vendors per block with this permit type. Get the full scoop on details and how to apply here.
06/15/20 - Lake Stevens Ordinance to Allow Food Trucks
Lake Stevens currently only permits food trucks associated with city authorized events. The Lake Stevens City Council has expressed interest in adopting interim mobile food vendor regulations to allow food trucks and other mobile vending units to operate outside of special events. ln many other cities, food trucks have been shown to be a driver of economic development by stimulating local entrepreneurship and job growth. Their proposed actions include: Adopt interim ordinance to develop standards to permit food trucks and food carts outside of city authorized events, develop permanent regulations based on the interim ordinance with input from the Planning Commission and interested stakeholders to allow mobile food vendors on private and public properties. The WSFTA has been asked by City Planning to provide guidance. A public notice was made on May 12th, a Planning Commission Review will take place July 1st, a City Council briefing is scheduled for August 18th, with a code revision and effective date planned for October 13th.
05/21/20 - Another Health Permit Fee Extension
Public Health – Seattle & King County recognizes that retail food service establishments continue to be financially impacted by measures to control the spread of COVID-19. To relieve some of the financial strain faced by business owners and their employees, they are extending the annual operating permit fee due date by an additional 45 days beyond the previous 60-day extension they had implemented to the original due date of March 31, 2020.
The new operating permit due date will be July 15, 2020.
Through July 15, 2020, you will not be charged a late fee for your annual food establishment permit renewals.
You can submit your annual permit application on or before July 15, 2020 without incurring any late fees.
Renewed permits will remain valid through March 31, 2021.
If you are a food business owner or a food worker and have questions related to your operation, please reach out to your Health Investigator or call 206-263-9566 to speak with office staff.
04/11/2020 - New Fire Code Extension
Governor Inslee has issued a proclamation, extending the new fire code implementation date to November 1, 2020. (It was originally effective July 1st.) Mobile food units in Washington, that are equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors, will need to comply with the new IFC code section 319. Mobiles now need: to have on board, an LP-gas and a methane alarm, LP-gas containers and fuel-gas piping systems inspected annually, and a fire permit.
03/09/20 - Amazon announces small biz grant fund
Small businesses within the South Lake Union and Regrade neighborhoods will be eligible to apply for grants so they can continue to retain and pay their employees, stay current on rent, and cover other fixed costs related to their operations. The fund is intended for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees or less than $7 million in annual revenue, physical presence within a few blocks of the Regrade and South Lake Union office buildings, that are open to the general public, and that are reliant on foot-traffic for customers. Among the information that will be requested as part of the grant process will be how much revenue each applicant anticipates it'll lose in March with some associated back-up information. They request that you refer back to this page for updates. And, there is the Covid-19 Response Fund.
02/04/20 - Plan Review Reciprocity, What Does it Mean?
Beginning May 1, 2020, you can skip the step of duplicating a plan review for the health department, when applying for an annual permit in a secondary county. According to RCW 43.20.149, due to a bill we helped to get passed, you can now apply for an annual permit in a secondary county if you have already obtained a current, valid permit to operate and you can provide: a copy of your permit (from the original permitting health department), a copy of your complete approved plans, the most recent inspection report, and any commissary agreements you were required to maintain under the original permit. The secondary permitting health department may not require you to submit any additional documents or undergo further inspections as a condition of permit issuance. They may require you to submit any restroom agreements originally required or additional commissary agreements unless you were approved for an exemption (another bill we helped to get passed in 2017!), or you plan to return to your approved commissary after each day of service. You will no longer be required to pay for the plan review in subsequent jurisdictions.
01/07/20 - City of Sumner Passes Food Truck Ordinance
On January 6th, 2020, Ordinance No. 2723 passed to allow for food trucks to park “on” streets within the City of Sumner, provided they are meeting all the applicable parking restrictions. The City also has city-owned property they may consider for a food truck pod/food truck court location.
12/18/19 - Dept of Rev Proposes Changes to Biz License Fees
Applicants for new business licenses or those reopening businesses would pay a higher, one-time handling fee under a bill being developed by the state Department of Revenue. The bill also calls for a decrease in handling fees for those businesses that are renewing license applications. State law requires Revenue to collect handling fees on each business license application and renewal. According to a bill draft supplied by Revenue: A one-time handling fee of $19 to open or reopen a business would increase to $85. Handling fees for existing licensees remain capped at $19. The $11 renewal fee would be reduced to $10. It requires Revenue to engage in rulemaking to make further reductions to these fees if the balance of the Business Licensing Services account exceeds $1 million or is projected to exceed in the next fiscal year. The agency currently projects those reductions to first happen in 2023. If approved by the 2020 Legislature, the new fees would take effect on July 1, 2020.
12/12/19 - New Rules for Overtime Pay & New IRS Form
Labor & Industries today announced rule changes that will govern overtime pay obligations by employers beginning on July 1, 2020. The changes that restore overtime eligibility to an estimated 259,000 workers statewide will be phased in until fully implemented in January of 2028. They are the first major updates to the state’s overtime pay rules in more than 40 years. Under the changes, the minimum salary a worker must receive to be exempt from overtime will be $35,100 a year, beginning July 1. It will rise to $83,356 in 2028 at the end of the phase-in period. The adopted rules also update a job duties test the state uses to determine if any employee can be exempt from overtime pay.
The Internal Revenue Service has made major revisions and issued a new W-4 employee tax withholding form for 2020. The main points about the form to remember are: All new hires as of January 1, 2020 must use the new form, current employees are not required to complete a new form but can choose to adjust their withholding on the new form, any adjustments made after January 1, 2020 must be recorded on the new form, employers can still compute withholding based on information from employees’ most recently submitted Form W-4 if employees choose not to adjust their withholding. The new form is designed to make accurate income-tax withholding easier for employees.
09/29/19 - New Food Truck Code Changes Coming For More Cities!
The WSFTA has just recently been giving code guidance to Tumwater, North Bend & Snoqualmie. All three of these cities have no current definition for mobile food vendors outside of permitted special events. These new proposed code changes will allow for more food truck activity on a regular basis with access to both private and public spaces. Stay tuned for updates on council meetings.
08/26/19 - Proposed New Food Code Mobile Food Vendors
The WSFTA has been an active member of the Washington State Department of Health - Food Safety Advisor Council (FSAC), for the last 18-months. During this time we were able to work with other council members to help craft proposed new food safety code, specially in regard to mobile food vending. We greatly appreciate the work of WSFTA members Emily Wiggly and Beth Clement, who brought their industry knowledge and experience to these council meetings. The proposed changes to the current food safety code will be recommended to the Washington State Board of Health and, if adapted, they will be implemented in May of 2020. Below are some of the key changes that are being proposed:
There will be proposed new code language regarding Primary and Secondary permits, to address the new Plan Review reciprocity requirement that resulted from the bill that the WSFTA helped to create and pass in the state legislature earlier this year (SSB-5218).
New requirements regarding changing of the food preparation processes will be considered, which means that Plan Reviews will no longer require an itinerary or site location plan, as this will now be required after the Plan Review approval, when vendors submit for their permit.
There will be proposed code changes regarding the cooling of food on board the mobile unit, if a commissary kitchen exemption is granted. This resulted from the commissary kitchen exemption bill that the WSFTA helped to create and pass in the state legislature in 2018 (SHB-2639).
The Food Safety Advisory Council will be recommending the repeal of 09130, which currently bans the cooking of meat thicker than 1-inch, and there will be new language proposed regarding bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, as well.
There is proposed new language requiring the establishment of clean-up protocols for vomiting and diarrheal events. Every mobile food vendor will need to create and maintain a written plan.
A proposal to allow the local regulatory authority to waive or modify the three- compartment sink requirement, if certain conditions are met, will also be proposed.
Lastly, there will be a proposed requirement to have at least one person-in- charge (PIC), per establishment, as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), by July of 2021. The original proposal would have required every mobile food unit worker to have this certification, but we requested to have that changed to just one worker per food establishment.
The WA State food safety code is only open for this kind of sweeping revision about every 10-years. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with the Department of Heath and the 14-other stakeholders involved in this process. Many of these proposed changes to our food safety code originated with the 2017 FDA guidelines, and while not all of the newly proposed food safety regulations are exactly what we were hoping for, we feel that our voice was heard and our concerns were respectfully and carefully considered. Overall, these new regulations, if adopted, will improve public health and safety and will not adversely impact mobile food vendors.
To view all of the proposed changes to the food safety code click here.
08/23/19 - Everett Food Truck Code Passed
The WSFTA ran a pilot program for the City of Everett and during this time, a moritorium was placed on their existing food truck code. After much internal city discussions and action by the city council, an ordinance was passed that will:
* Eliminate any special business license requirement for food trucks that include fingerprinting, providing photos, and an FBI criminal background check.
* Reduce the distance food trucks can park from a permanent eating establishment from 250 to 50- feet from the front door of a permanent eating establishment unless the food truck has written permission from the establishment to be directly in front of the door.
* Eliminate the protection zone around the Angel of the Winds Arena.
* Allow more administrative changes to better adjust the food truck temporary right of way permitting process with a new street vending program via contract with Washington State Food Truck Association (WSFTA) to help the city manage the Food Trucks.
Food trucks will still need to comply with similar regulations as brick and mortar establishments such as maintaining a general city business license and state UBI, securing a Snohomish Health District Permit, and passing Fire Department inspections as required.
08/22/19 - Update on Labor Laws
Considering the passage of 11-state employment laws during the 2018-19 legislative sessions, businesses with employees in Washington State will do well to scrutinize and update their hiring, payroll, and employment practices. Small businesses with limited human resource personnel may be at risk for not knowing all the new requirements. One of the most significant new laws replaces the Equal Pay Act with the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act (EPOA) to protect employees from pay and career advancement discrimination based on gender. Find Washington’s new labor rules and changes here.
06/05/19 - New Fire Code for Mobile Food is Here
An official policy change petition has been filed by our state's building code council for adoption of the 2018 International Fire Code. This will add code: WAC 51-54A-0319: Mobile food preparation vehicles. New section: 319.1 General. Mobile food preparation vehicles that are equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors or utilize LP-gas systems or CNG systems shall comply with this system. 105.6.30 Mobile food preparation vehicles, a permit is required for mobile preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors or utilize LP-gas systems or CNG systems. WAC 51-54A-008- Implementation. The Date of Intended Adoption: July 26, 2019
The International Fire Code adopted by chapter 51-54A WAC shall become effective in all counties and cities of this state on July 1, 2020. Find the 2018 Fire Code here (section 319): https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2018/CHAPTER-3-GENERAL-REQUIREMENTS Vendors can email us for a copy of what will be required of you in Washington state.
04/24- Food Truck Lobby Day 2019!
The second Food Truck Lobby Day was held at our state capitol on Wednesday, where the weather turned out to be perfect. Each of the 16-trucks had a sign indicating the district they were there to represent, a great feature commented on by most in attendance. The trucks served over 3,000 people and at least 28-legislators are on camera enjoying their street-food. Also in attendance was the Governor, who was particularly interested in our 2-featured vendors; Transitions 2 Earth who was there to educate people on compostables and other green cutlery options and the University of Washington’s Engineering students partnered with Seattle City Light to display their Capstone Project of desgining Seattle’s first all -electric food truck.
04/19/2019 - Food Truck Senate Bill Passes 95-0!
A new bill introduced into the 2019 State Legislature. Senate Bill 5218, will now make vending across county lines significantly more cost effective and efficient for mobile food vendors.
Currently, a Plan Review has an average one-time fee of ($500 - $860 per jurisdiction), and the requirements are found in our state food code. Additional costs to the vendor are incurred due to the time required to complete the lengthy application, travel to the inspection location, as well as potential opportunity costs from being unable to vend during the part of the day required for the inspection. After the Plan Review has been completed and approved, which can take between 4 - 8 weeks, the mobile food vendor then applies for the Annual Operating Permit ($725 - $1,750 per year, per jurisdiction).
The passing of this bill, will result in a positive fiscal impact to mobile food vendors due to a reduction in plan review fees. It will also eliminate the costs associated with travel time and opportunity costs incurred while obtaining the Plan Review approvals in neighboring local health jurisdictions, in most cases, it will eliminate the need to maintain commissary kitchens in other jurisdictions ($1,000 to $2,000 per month, in each jurisdiction) and it will benefit event organizers, by creating a larger pool of mobile food vendors who can more readily cross county lines.
04/19/2019- KC Health Releases Commissary Kitchen Exemption Form
HB 2639 passed in 2018 gave mobile vending operators the right to request an exemption from the commissary kitchen requirement if their mobile could meet specific requirements and there is now a form to submit to make this request in King County. Mobile vending units must:
contain all equipment and utensils needed for complete onboard preparation of an approved menu,
Unit is protected from environmental contamination when not in use,
All required food temperatures are maintained during storage, preparation, service, and transit,
Unit must have a dedicated hand wash station to permit frequent hand washing at all times,
must have an adequate water capacity and ware washing facilities to clean all multi-use utensils as specified by WAC 246-215.
Adequate space in the mobile unit must be provided for cleaning and sanitizing tools,
All food, water, and ice is prepared on board or obtained from an approved source,
Wastewater and garbage will be sanitarily removed from the unit following an approved written plan or by a licensed service provider,
Local health officer approves the menu and plan of operations for the unit.
