Special Poultry Permit

What is the purpose of this permit?
Special Poultry Permits are required for on-farm preparation and sale of whole raw slaughtered poultry.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Department of Agriculture
What activities require this permit?
Activities include slaughter, preparation or sale of whole, raw poultry (1000 or fewer poultry per calendar year).
How much will this permit cost?
One year permit= $75
Two year permit= $125
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Application for Special Poultry Permit:To Slaughter, Prepare, and Sell Whole Raw Poultry' is online and can be accessed at https://agr.wa.gov/getmedia/370b6b5d-154e-4017-906a-c93f73bd6625/3302-application-for-special-permit-to-slaughter-poultry-rev-5-2012.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Complete application along with:
  • Poultry slaughter/preparation site diagram
  • Detailed processing steps or flow diagram
  • Water supply testing
  • Check or money order
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
A WSDA Food Safety Officer (FSO) reviews all processing areas of your facility and takes the necessary water samples. Before leaving the facility, the FSO will leave a copy of the inspection report with you. The inspection report will note any areas that require correction. At that time the inspector will also inform you of your licensing status (approved or denied). All subsequent inspections are unannounced visits and will occur every three to six months.

Water test is done by the applicant, not the agency.
How long will it take to review my application?
Based on 2015 data, the application review takes approximately 6 weeks.
Where do I submit my application?
Submit application to the address below:
    WSDA Food Safety Program
    1111 Washington St
    Olympia, WA 98504
How long is my permit valid?
Applicants have the option to obtain a 1 year permit or a 2 year permit.
What is the appeal process for the permit?
Upon notice by the Department to deny or revoke a permit, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedures Act.
Legal Authority:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 11
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 19

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 41
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 82

(Summary results based on 8 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/special-poultry-permit
Helpdesk phone: (360) 902-1876
Subject matter expert email: foodsafety@agr.wa.gov
Statewide Contact:
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Food Safety Program
1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Telephone: (360) 902-1876
Email: foodsafety@agr.wa.gov
Website: http://agr.wa.gov
* Permit information last updated 10/25/2022
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