Kitsap Public Health Board to consider environmental health fee changes for 2026
- katiebaker9
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
You can comment on the proposed 2026 environmental health fee schedule in writing or in person.
KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Kitsap Public Health District is seeking public comments on proposed updates to its Environmental Health fee schedule for 2026.
A public hearing on the proposed fee changes is tentatively scheduled for the Kitsap Public Health Board's Nov. 4 meeting. Scroll down to learn more about the proposed changes and how to submit public comment.
Environmental health fees are fees charged by the Kitsap Public Health District cover the cost of providing permitting services to food establishments, public pools, drinking water wells, septic systems, solid and hazardous waste facilities, and other activities regulated by the Health District.
Proposed fee schedule changes
Based on input from the Health Board's Finance Committee, proposed Environmental Health fee changes for 2026 include:
Consolidating permanent food establishment fee categories into "Low risk" and "High risk" based on their menus and food preparation processes. With this reorganization, some food establishments would have a fee increase in 2026 while others would have a fee decrease:
55% of permanent food establishments would have a fee increase between $5 and $20
45% of establishments would have a fee decrease between $10 and $140
Consolidating temporary food service establishment permits into three categories: "Exempt," "Limited," and "Complex" and increasing fees.
Under the proposed 2026 Fee schedule, temporary food establishment permit fees would range from $110-$240.
The fee increase is needed to close a significant gap between revenue from temporary food establishment permit fees and the cost of inspecting those establishments. In 2024, the Health District spent $138,000 in staff time to regulate temporary food establishments, while permit fees generated $41,000.
Temporary food establishment permits will be available for a "Single Event" (a continuous event lasting up to 21 days) or a "Recurring Event" (an intermittent event such as a farmers market booth or sports concession, where a vendor is operating for up to three days a week in a fixed location).
Consolidating yearly and seasonal water recreation facility (pool and spa) fees into one fee category.
This change would result in a fee increase for about 67% of facilities and fee decreases for about 33%.
A single fee category would better represent the cost of regulating pools and spas, as yearly and seasonal permits require the same number of inspections.
Adding a new fee category for closed pools that must still meet safety standards. Health District staff are required to inspect these facilities. The fee will help cover the cost of inspections.
View the Proposed 2026 Environmental Health Fee Schedule for full details. Proposed changes are highlighted in yellow.
Documents:
Submitting public comments
Written public comment
You can submit written comments before Nov. 4 by:
Mail: Kitsap Public Health District, Attention: Eric Evans
345 6th Street, Suite 300, Bremerton, WA 98337
Public hearing
A public hearing on the proposed 2026 environmental health fee schedule is tentatively scheduled for the next Kitsap Public Health Board meeting, starting at 8:30 a.m., Nov. 4 and the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th Street, Bremerton. Members of the public can attend the meeting in person and provide verbal public comment during the public hearing.
Check the Health Board meetings page for updates or sign up to receive meeting notifications by email or text.
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