Whatcom County, WA Public Health Rules: Restaurant Grade Cards (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- WCC Chapter 24.03
- State code adopted
- WAC 246-215, Retail Food Code
- Inspection form
- DOH Form 332-035
- Enforcing agency
- Whatcom County health department
- Max permit term
- 1 year
- Suspension trigger
- 40 red or 100 total points twice/12 mo.
Summary
Whatcom County's health department inspects every food establishment under Whatcom County Code Chapter 24.03, which adopts the state Retail Food Code at WAC 246-215 and requires inspectors to use DOH Form 332-035, scoring each violation as a red high-risk or blue low-risk hazard point.
Whatcom County hereby adopts Chapter 246-215 WAC, Retail Food Code. If a conflict arises between Chapter 246-215 WAC and this chapter, as amended, the more restrictive regulation shall prevail. Whatcom County will automatically incorporate any subsequent amendments to Chapter 246-215 WAC into this chapter. DOH Form 332-035, Food Establishment Inspection Report, or other inspection form approved by DOH, and accompanying hazard point values for red high risk factors and blue low risk factors, as presently adopted and hereafter amended are adopted by reference.
Full Breakdown
020 adopts Chapter 246-215 WAC, the Retail Food Code, in full, and states that where the county code and the WAC conflict, the more restrictive rule controls; the county automatically absorbs future amendments to the state chapter without re-legislating. 030. 040(A)-(C)). 060). 040(D)). Suspension also follows an imminent health hazard such as fire, flood, sewage backup, or an apparent foodborne-illness outbreak, obstructing an inspector, serving unsafe or adulterated food, or failing to correct violations as ordered. Permits are reinstated and revoked under the same state procedure, WAC 246-215-08600.
Violations & Fines
A permit can be suspended on the spot for an uncorrected red high-risk violation, a repeat red violation within six months, or a score of 40 red hazard points, or 100 total red-and-blue points, twice in 12 months (WCC § 24.03.040(D)). Obstructing an inspector, serving adulterated food, or ignoring a correction order are independent suspension grounds; reinstatement and revocation follow WAC 246-215-08600, and unpaid inspection fees block a new or renewed permit under WCC § 24.03.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inspects restaurants in unincorporated Whatcom County?
What do the red and blue points on my inspection report mean?
Can my food permit be suspended after one bad inspection?
How long is a Whatcom County food establishment permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whatcom County
Compare Whatcom County to another location·View the Washington public health rules overview
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