Public Health Rules in Seattle, WA (2026)
4 verified public health rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
Public Health Seattle King County inspects every food establishment 1-3 times yearly, scoring violations numerically. Since 2017, restaurants must post a color-coded sign — Excellent, Good, OK, or Needs Improvement — at the entrance.
King County Inspects Seattle Restaurants With Color Signs
Heavy RestrictionsRodent Control
Public Health Seattle King County's Zoonotic Disease Program responds to rodent complaints in Seattle. Property owners must abate infestations under SMC 10.22 nuisance code; food businesses face additional inspection consequences.
PHSKC Vector Control Investigates Rat Complaints
Some RestrictionsSyringe Disposal
Washington RCW 70.95K bans household syringes from regular trash. Seattle and King County offer free sharps drop-off sites; residents must use rigid, puncture-proof containers. Pharmacies and clinics provide takeback.
Used Sharps Must Go in Approved Containers; Free Drop-Off Sites
Some RestrictionsFood Handler Certification
Washington RCW 69.06 requires every food worker to obtain a Food Worker Card within two weeks of starting work. King County Public Health issues the card after a free online course and exam, valid for 2-3 years.
Food Workers Must Hold a King County Food Worker Card
Heavy RestrictionsWAC 246-217-025 — Washington State Food Worker Card Program
Washington State Food Worker Course — Do It Right, Serve It Safe! A training program covering the safe preparation and handling of food. When you complete this course, you can purchase and print a Washington State Food Worker Card. [...] Why does it cost $10? The $10 fee is a state regulation, Washington Administrative Code 246-217-025. The fee is used by local health departments to defray the ...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Public Health Rules in King County →