Restaurant Compliance Checklist for Spokane, Washington
Before You Sign the Lease
Business formation, entity registration, zoning verification
Including 18 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistDuring Build-Out
Health permits, fire safety, key licenses — the critical path
Including 19 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistHiring & Training
Employee compliance, certifications, workplace posters
- Backflow Prevention Device CertificationTesting appointment typically completed within 1-2 hours once scheduled. Annual certification must be maintained continuously. Plan to schedule testing at least 30 days in advance to secure appointment.
Including 17 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistDon't Miss a Permit in Spokane, Washington
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Cost Summary
| Requirement | Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Backflow Prevention Device Certification | Local | Contact certified BATs directly for testing fees; fees vary by provider. Installation and certification exam fees apply to BATs, not restaurant owners. |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Local | Contact authority for current fees |
| Food Establishment Plan Review | Local | Contact Spokane Regional Health District for current fee schedule |
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit | Local | Tiered fee structure: Fuel Gas Piping $3 per outlet (minimum $12); Hydronic Piping $3 per outlet (minimum $12); Gas Water Heaters <200,000 BTU $13.00; Electric Water Heaters <200,000 BTU $11.00; Boiler permits required for commercial buildings. Additional 2.5% convenience fee for credit card/online payments. Contact Permit Center for complete current fee schedule. |
| Plumbing Permit | Local | $11.00 per plumbing fixture/item (kitchen sinks, grease traps, backflow preventers, floor drains, etc.); 2.5% credit card convenience fee if paying online; contact Permit Center for current comprehensive fee schedule |
| Water and Sewer Connection Permit | Local | Contact authority for current fees; full payment including general facilities charges is due at time of permit issuance |
| Zoning Compliance Letter | Local | $182.88 per official Zoning Verification Letter (current rate for City of Spokane properties) |
Total: $197–$207
Filing fees only. Does not include insurance, build-out, or consultant fees.
Other Establishment Types in Spokane, Washington
Bar / Nightclub
Net change: +4 requirements
Food Truck
Net change: +0 requirements
Coffee Shop / Café
Net change: -2 requirements
Bakery / Patisserie
Net change: +1 requirements
Ghost Kitchen / Cloud Kitchen
Net change: -4 requirements
Catering Company
Net change: +3 requirements
Fast Food / QSR
Net change: +1 requirements
Brewery / Brewpub
Net change: +2 requirements
Opening a restaurant in Spokane requires navigating a total of 63 distinct regulatory requirements. This breaks down into 21 federal requirements (like an FDA Food Facility Registration), 22 from Washington State (including the Master Business License), and 20 specific to the City of Spokane (like a Food Establishment Permit and sign review).
The full approval process for all 63 requirements typically takes between 6 and 14 weeks. This timeline accounts for sequential dependencies, like needing a state business license before a city permit, and review periods for plans from the Spokane Fire Department and Building Services.
Government filing fees for the mandatory permits and licenses range from approximately $88 to over $207. The vast low end is for basic registrations, while the high end reflects complex projects requiring full plan review, specialized systems, and high-risk food processes as determined by Spokane and state authorities.
No, you cannot legally operate before securing all mandatory permits. Critical approvals like the Spokane Food Establishment Permit, State Business License, and Fire Department clearance are legally required for operation. Opening without them can result in immediate closure, daily fines, and jeopardize future approvals.
About This Data
Forms & permits for Spokane, Washington
Field-by-field guides to every requirement we cover in Spokane, Washington.
- ADA Compliance Self-Certification
- Alarm System Permit/Registration
- Annual Report Filing
- Application for Employer Identification Number
- Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp
- Backflow Prevention Device Certification
- Building Permit
- Certificate of Occupancy
- City Business License/Registration
- Dumpster/Refuse Enclosure Permit
- E-Verify Enrollment
- EFTPS Enrollment (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) (2026) |
- Electrical Permit
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster
- Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Poster
- Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act Poster (20
- Employee's Withholding Certificate
- Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return
- Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income
- Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
- Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law Poster
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster
- Fire Department Operational Permit
- Food Establishment Plan Review
- Food Service Establishment License
- Food Worker Card
- Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification)
- Grease Trap/Interceptor Permit
- Hazard Communication Program and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST)
- Mechanical/HVAC Permit
- New Hire Reporting
- OSHA Form 300A - Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (
- OSHA Job Safety and Health - It's the Law Poster
- Plumbing Permit
- Sign Permit
- Spokane Food Protection Manager Certification
- Spokane Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit
- Spokane Outdoor Seating/Sidewalk Cafe Permit
- Spokane Quarterly Contribution and Wage Report
- Spokane Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements
- Trade Name/DBA Registration
- Wage and Tax Statement
- Washington Employer Registration for Unemployment Insurance (2026
- Washington Industrial Insurance (L&I) Account Registration
- Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) Poster
- Washington Liquor License (On-Premises)
- Washington Minimum Wage Poster
- Washington Minor Work Permit
- Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Employer Registra
- Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Notice
- Washington Paid Sick Leave Poster
- Washington Sales Tax Registration
- Washington State Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax Registration (
- Washington State Business License (UBI Number)
- Washington State Food Establishment Permit
- Washington Your Rights as a Worker Poster
- Water and Sewer Connection Permit
- Workers' Compensation Insurance Certificate
- Your Rights Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemploym
- Zoning Compliance Letter
Don't Miss a Permit in Spokane, Washington
ApronPrep tracks all 63 requirements, alerts you before deadlines, and auto-fills your forms.