Temporary Worker Housing (TWH) for Agricultural Employees

Worker in a field picking fruit

We work to protect the health and safety of migrant farmworkers and their family in their living environment and our communities through ongoing education, on-site technical assistance, and regulatory enforcement.

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About the TWH Program

 
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Licensing

 
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Rules and Regulations

 
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Frequently Asked Questions

 
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External Groups and Agencies

 
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Additional Resources

About the TWH Program

Services

The Temporary Worker Housing Program offers a variety of services to growers, housing contractors, and developers to ensure housing facilities meet state health and safety standards.

Program Services includes:

On-site Technical Assistance

Upon request, on-site technical assistance is available for growers, developers, housing contractors and anyone else interested in providing or improving temporary farmworker housing in Washington.

How to Request On-site Technical Assistance

  • Call 360-236-3393 or email Housing@doh.wa.gov
  • Fee (if applicable): $47 per hour (two hour minimum)

Construction Review Services

The purpose of Construction Review Services (CRS) is to ensure license specific minimum physical environmental requirements are met to safeguard the health and general welfare of occupants of temporary worker housing (TWH) by regulating and controlling the design, construction, materials, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the scope and authority of Chapter 246-358 WAC and 246-359 WAC.

The Construction Review Services program provides the following services:

  • On-site Technical Assistance
  • Plan Review – Submit your construction project plans with your construction application (PDF) and fees to the department. CRS staff will review your plans and work with you.
  • Building Permitting (for rural worksites outside city limits) – Submit your request for a building permit along with your plan review application or as a separate application with the required fee to the department.
  • Approval/Certificate of Completion – If approved, CRS will issue a certificate of occupancy (CoO) or an “approval packet”, depending on whether the TWH project is located outside city limits or inside city limits. For more details on CoOs, refer to the certificate of occupancy section.
  • Construction Review Search Portal- use the search portal to check project status after submitting your application for your TWH facility.

Health and Safety Inspections

Types of Inspections:

The Department inspects farmworker housing facilities twice a year for licensing and operation. We also inspect facilities when there is a change of ownership, increasing units/occupancy, or when a follow-up inspection is required.

  • Pre-Occupancy Inspection: Before housing is occupied, an inspector will schedule an inspection with the operator. After the inspection, the operator will receive a report via email detailing any violations that need to be corrected.
  • Occupancy Inspection: When the housing is in use, an inspector will visit the site to assess compliance. Following the inspection, a report outlining any necessary corrections will be emailed to the operator.
  • Follow-up Inspection: Conducted either digitally or in person, this inspection verifies that critical violations identified in a previous inspection have been addressed.
  • Correction Inspection: This inspection confirms that non-critical violations from a prior inspection have been corrected.
  • Initial Inspection: Performed when there is a change in ownership, an increase in units or occupancy, or when new or remodeled TWH facilities require approval.

Complaint Investigations 

The Department investigates complaints concerning farm worker housing, alleging unlicensed operation or violation of TWH health and safety standards. If a complaint investigation is required, we conduct an unannounced investigation of the housing and may include other agencies, such as Washington Labor and Industries and/or Washington Employment Security Department. The department or other agency may act such as: closing the case, continuing the investigation, requiring a compliance plan, take legal action such as issuing a fine, revoking the license or closing the facility. The Department may conduct follow-up inspections to verify corrections have been made or that the facility has closed. 

For directions on how to report a complaint, refer to the Complaint Reporting section below.

Licensing Services

Why be licensed?

It's the law (RCW 70.114A). Temporary worker housing requires all farm worker housing provided for 10 or more occupants, or five or more dwelling (housing) units be licensed by the Department of Health. Seasonal inspection and annual licensing with enforcement assures that facilities licensed meet state standards for farm worker housing.  

Program Outreach

Temporary Worker Housing program periodically provide presentations at conferences, summits, or group meetings to provide information about the TWH program and offer guidance and best practices to safeguard temporary workers who are being housed during their employment. 

TWH Variances

Conditions may exist in TWH operations where a state standard will not have practical use or is not suitable. In such cases, the operator may request a variance. For further information on variances, refer to the Variance Procedure section under Rules and Regulations or refer to WAC 246-358-040.

Complaint Reporting

The department investigates complaints concerning temporary farmworker housing, alleging operation or violation of the temporary worker housing health and safety standards/rules.

The department investigates farm worker housing including, but not limited to:

  • Non-compliance issues
  • Housing overcrowding
  • Unlicensed housing
  • Health and safety concerns

When appropriate, the department will jointly investigate a site with other state or county agencies including:

  • Employment Security Department
  • Labor & Industries, Division of Occupational Safety and Health
  • Law enforcement
  • Local health department/district
  • Local building/zoning department

Complaint investigations are unannounced at the housing facility. The investigation findings are documented, assessed, and a final determination of what appropriate actions are needed.

These actions may include closing the investigation, continuing the investigation, issuing a compliance plan, or taking legal action, such as issuing a civil fine, revoking the license, or closing the facility. The department may conduct follow-up inspections to verify corrections have been made or that the facility has closed.

How to report a Temporary Worker Housing complaint (choose one of the following):

Regional Area Map

Each TWH inspector is assigned a region in the state when conducting inspections or responding to complaint investigations, inquiries or offering technical assistance.

Lodging Program Regional Areas
Region Counties within the Region
Metro King, Snohomish, Tacoma
Northwest Island, Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan
Westside Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Thurston, Wahkiakum
South Central Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, Yakima
Eastside Chelan, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens
North Central Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan
Southeast Adams, Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Walla Walla, Whitman
Self-Survey

The Self-Survey Program allows operators to inspect their own facilities. The self-survey replaces the department's inspections for up to two consecutive years per WAC 246-358-027.

The Self-Survey Program is available to operators under the regular temporary worker housing (TWH) license, and not to operators of cherry harvest camps. While participating in the self-survey, the operator may conduct their own inspections for up to two years. The third year, the operator is inspected by the department. If the operator continues to qualify, they may continue to participate in the program.

To qualify for the program, the operator must:

For two consecutive years:

  • Submit a complete application on time that includes the licensing fees, TWH management plan and proof of approved public water system; and
  • Pass department inspections with no critical violations or only minor deficiencies noted by the department.

Send a request to the department to participate in the self-survey program at Housing@doh.wa.gov or Department of Health, Temporary Worker Housing Program, P.O. Box 47824, Olympia, WA 98504-7824.

Licensing

Who Needs a TWH License?

Any operator providing TWH shall apply for a TWH operating license when the TWH consists of:

  • Five or more dwelling (housing) units; or
  • Any combination of housing units, or spaces that house 10 or more occupants (including accompanied family members).
  • Compliance with the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act required; or
  • Housing or facilities consisting of 4 or fewer housing units or any combination of units or spaces that house 9 or fewer occupants and elect to comply with the temporary worker housing construction standards (Chapter 246-359 WAC).
  • Any number of tents to house no more than 16 domestic occupants per tent (cherry harvest only).
Check a TWH License Status and Prior Inspections 

To check a TWH license status, physical address, google map, prior inspection results, facility ID, total number of units, and occupants, click on the following DOH portal search link:  TWH Search Portal 

Obtain a New License

New construction or existing building(s)? 

Before starting new housing construction or converting/remodeling existing structure for temporary worker housing, please provide a certificate of occupancy from your local building department (if the building is inside city limits) and/or submit an application to Construction Review Services for a certificate of completion to review the plans for the structure you want to use as a TWH. 

In these situations, we require the following steps for licensing:

Step 1: Complete and Submit License Application Packet

Check “New” in the application type box and finish completing the application if it is a Temporary Worker Housing or Cherry Harvest Camp. Any questions about completing the TWH application, please call licensing at 360-236-3393 or email housing@doh.wa.gov.

Note:  For a new TWH location, the TWH operator shall submit their TWH application at least 45 days PRIOR to the new TWH site operation start date. Also, do not submit your TWH application until you have obtained a copy of a certificate of occupancy from your local building department or certificate of completion from DOH Construction Review Services.

Include the following items when submitting to DOH:

Mail TWH application package and fees to:

Department of Health, Revenue Section
P.O. Box 1099, Olympia, WA 98507-1099

Step 2: License Application Packet Reviewed by Licensing

  • Please allow 5 business days to process your TWH application and fees.
  • The application is uploaded into our database and online search portal will show the TWH facility in “pending” status.
  • Anything missing from the application, an Acknowledgment Letter with Deficiencies will be emailed to the applicant and the application will be placed on hold until all deficiencies are approved by licensing.
  • If the application is correct, complete, and signed, an Acknowledgment Letter with No Deficiencies will be sent to the applicant’s email.

Step 3: Initial Inspection

  • The Acknowledgment Letter with No Deficiencies will contain the assigned inspector’s contact email.
  • Email inspector to schedule an initial inspection.
  • We recommend using the TWH Self-Inspection Checklist (PDF) to prepare and assure the TWH meets all health and safety requirements under WAC 246-358.
  • The initial inspections are completed with one of the following two outcomes:
    • Critical violations observed require a follow-up to be scheduled and the license will be withheld until all critical violations have been corrected.
    • If there are no critical violations observed or only non-critical violations reported, the TWH facility goes to the next step with licensing.

Step 4: Temporary Worker Housing License is Processed and Issued

  • Allow 3-5 business days for licensing to process a TWH license after the initial inspection has been approved by the inspector.
  • A TWH license is issued and mailed to the TWH operator. The TWH facility will be updated in the TWH online search portal with the status changed from “pending” to “permitted”.
Renew a License

If issued a TWH license from the previous year for the same TWH, a renewal form will be mailed to the TWH operator the first week of November.

Note: If you have not received your renewal by mid- November, contact licensing at 360-236-3393.

Step 1: Review, Update and Submit TWH Renewal Form

Indicate any updates to the TWH on the renewal form, such as, number of occupants, number of units, point of contact, mailing address, emails, phone numbers, start date and end dates.

Include the following items when submitting to DOH:

Recent water sample results from an accredited testing laboratory for coliform and nitrate levels. Coliform results annually and nitrate results every three years.

Mail TWH renewal form, fees, and above items to:

Department of Health, Revenue Section
P.O. Box 1099, Olympia, WA 98507-1099

Step 2: License Renewal Reviewed by Licensing

  • Please allow 5 business days to receive and process your TWH renewal form and fees.
  • Anything missing from the application, an Acknowledgment Letter with Deficiencies will be emailed to the TWH operator and the TWH renewal will be placed on hold until all deficiencies are approved by licensing. 
  • If the renewal form is complete and signed, an Acknowledgment Letter with No Deficiencies will be emailed to the TWH operator.

Step 3: Pre-Occupancy Inspection

  • The Acknowledgment Letter with No Deficiencies will contain the assigned inspector’s email.
  • Email the inspector to schedule a pre-occupancy inspection.
  • Prepare for the TWH inspection. We recommend using the TWH Self-Inspection Checklist (PDF) to check the TWH meets all minimum health and safety requirements.
  • Pre-occupancy inspection is conducted with one of the following two outcomes:
    • Critical violations observed require a follow-up to be scheduled and the license will be withheld until critical violations have been corrected.
    • If there are no critical violations observed or only non-critical violations reported, the TWH facility goes to the next step in the licensing process.

Step 4: Temporary Worker Housing License is Processed and Issued

Allow 3-5 business days for licensing to process a TWH license after the pre-occupancy inspection has been approved by the inspector.

A TWH license is issued and mailed to the TWH operator. The TWH facility will be updated in the TWH online search portal with the status changed from “pending” to “permitted”.

Amend an Existing License

Amended applications are required when a TWH operator is requested to increase their number of occupants and/or increase the number of units to a licensed TWH. 

If units increase due to a new building or addition to an existing TWH facility or site, a certificate of occupancy from your local building department (if the building is inside city limits) and/or certificate of completion from DOH Construction Review Services is required.

In these scenarios, we require an INITIAL inspection type to amend the existing license with the following steps:

Step 1: Submit TWH License Application

Check “Amended” in the application type box and finish completing the application. Any questions about the amendments, please call licensing at 360-236-3393 or email housing@doh.wa.gov.

Include the following items when submitting to DOH:

Mail TWH amended application and fees to:

Department of Health, Revenue Section
P.O. Box 1099, Olympia, WA 98507-1099

Step 2: Amended Application Reviewed

  • The application is uploaded into our database and the TWH online search portal will show the TWH facility in “pending” status if the TWH requires an initial inspection for increase of units and/or occupants.
  • Anything missing from the application, an Acknowledgment Letter with Deficiencies will be emailed to the applicant and the application will be placed on hold until all deficiencies are approved by licensing.
  • If the TWH application is complete and signed, an Acknowledgment Letter with No Deficiencies will be emailed to the applicant.

Step 3: Initial Amended Inspection

  • The Acknowledgment Letter with No Deficiencies will contain the assigned inspector’s email.
  • Email the inspector to schedule an initial amended inspection.
  • Prepare for the TWH inspection. We recommend using the TWH Self-Inspection Checklist (PDF) to check the TWH meets all minimum health and safety requirements.
  • Initial amended inspections are conducted with one of the following two outcomes:
    • Critical violations observed require a follow-up to be scheduled and the license will be withheld until all critical violations have been corrected.
    • If there are no critical violations observed or only non-critical violations reported, the TWH facility goes to the next step in the licensing process.

Step 4: Temporary Worker Housing License is Processed, Updated, and Reissued

Please allow 3-5 business days for licensing staff to process a TWH after the initial amended inspection has been cleared by the assigned inspector.

After the above steps meet licensing requirements, the TWH license is issued and mailed to the TWH operator. The TWH facility will be updated in the TWH online search portal with the status changed from “pending” to “permitted”. 

Change of Ownerships

New Ownership for Existing Licensed TWH. In the event an existing TWH licensed facility has a change of ownership (CHOW), the new owners are required to apply. 

TWH licenses are non-transferable. With change of ownerships, we require an INITIAL inspection type to initiate the licensing process with the following steps:

Step 1: Complete and Submit License Application Packet

Check “Change of Ownership” in the application type box and finish completing the application. Any questions about the application, please call licensing at 360-236-3393 or email housing@doh.wa.gov.

New owners are required to obtain a copy of a certificate of occupancy from the previous TWH operator or owner. If not available, contact your local building department (if the building is inside city limits) and/or request a copy or contact DOH Construction Review Services.

Include the following items when submitting to DOH:

Mail TWH application package and fees to:

Department of Health, Revenue Section
P.O. Box 1099, Olympia, WA 98507-1099

Step 2: License Application Packet Reviewed by Licensing

  • Please allow 5 businesses to process your TWH application and fees.
  • The application is uploaded into our database and the TWH online search portal will show the TWH facility in “pending” status.
  • Anything missing from your application, an Acknowledgment Letter with Deficiencies will be emailed to the applicant and the application will be placed on hold until all deficiencies are approved by licensing.
  • If the application is complete and signed, an Acknowledgment Letter with No Deficiencies will be emailed to the applicant.

Step 3: Initial CHOW Inspection

  • The Acknowledgment Letter with No Deficiencies will contain the assigned inspector’s email.
  • Email the inspector to schedule an initial inspection.
  • We recommend using the TWH Self-Inspection Checklist (PDF) to prepare and assure the TWH meets all health and safety requirements under WAC 246-358.
  • Initial inspections are concluded with one of the following two outcomes:
    • Critical violations observed require a follow-up to be scheduled and the license will be withheld until all critical violations have been corrected.
    • If there are no critical violations observed or only non-critical violations reported, the TWH facility goes to the next step with licensing.

Step 4: Temporary Worker Housing License is Processed and Issued

Allow 3-5 business days for licensing staff to process a TWH license AFTER the initial CHOW inspection has been cleared by the assigned inspector.

A TWH license is issued and mailed to the new TWH operator. The TWH facility will be updated in the TWH online search portal with the status changed from “pending” to “permitted”.

Update Data with an Existing License

Updating TWH facility information in our database. In the event a TWH Licensed facility needs to update their facility information, such as business name, contact information, mailing address, well information, or decrease in units or occupants, closure, etc., please indicate the change on the annual TWH renewal form, email to housing@doh.wa.gov, or submit an updated TWH application to licensing. There is no fee associated with facility updates or changes.

If the update includes an increase of units or occupants, please refer to amend an existing TWH.

Certificate of Occupancy Requirement

To obtain a Temporary Worker Housing (TWH) license, all construction and structural work must be completed, approved, and documented by either local building department officials or the Department of Health (DOH) Construction Review Services (CRS).

According to WAC 246-358-025(2)(c), TWH operators must provide proof that their housing is permitted for occupancy by either DOH CRS or the local government building department with jurisdiction. This proof must be in the form of a Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) or other approved occupancy documentation, which is required as part of the TWH license application.

When a Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) is Required

  • New TWH or Conversion – A CoO is required when applying for a new TWH license or converting an existing building into farm worker housing.
  • Remodeling or Expansion – If an existing licensed TWH is extensively remodeled requiring permits (e.g., increasing square footage or adding units), a CoO may be required.
  • Change of Ownership – If ownership changes and there is no CoO on file, the new owner must provide proof of a CoO when applying for a TWH license.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

  • For TWH located outside city limits (rural worksites): Contact DOH CRS to submit TWH plans for review and to ensure compliance with WAC 246-359.
  • For TWH located inside city limits: Contact the local building department to verify that the building was permitted for occupancy. Then, submit a copy of the CoO to CRS for review to confirm compliance with TWH license specific minimum physical environmental requirements under WAC 246-359. The local building official determines occupancy approval, while CRS ensures the housing meets specific TWH standards before forwarding it to DOH for licensing.

For review times, questions, or more information on TWH building code requirements, contact DOH Construction Review Services at 360-236-2944 or email crs@doh.wa.gov.

Applications and Forms

DOH Temporary Worker Housing

DOH-Construction Review Services

Fee Schedule

An operator shall submit to DOH fees according to the following table:

Temporary Worker Housing Fee Schedule
Fee Type Administrative Portion Facility Portion

Licensing		 $50 $4 per occupant, at maximum annual occupancy
($90 minimum total fee) ($90 minimum total fee)
License, Self-Serving Program $50 $0
Late $100 (Late fees are in addition to licensing fees) $100 (Late fees are in addition to licensing fees)
  • Minimum Licensing Fee is $90.00 (equals 10 occupants + administrative fee)
  • Amendment Fee is TBD
  • Late Fee is $100.00 Late fees are applicable when:
    • For a new license, the application and license fee are not received by DOH at least 45 days prior to the NEW TWH opening operation date.
    • For a previously licensed TWH, the application and licensing fee are NOT received by February 28th of the year the operator intends to operate their TWH.
Public Water Requirements for Licensing 

A Group A or Group B public water system must serve the TWH facility in compliance with WAC Chapter 246-358-055(1) and the Department’s Office of Drinking Water regulations.

The system must provide a safe and reliable drinking water supply to TWH that meets the requirements of WAC Chapters 246-290, 246-291, or applicable local board of health rules, depending on jurisdiction.

As part of the TWH licensing application and renewal process, verification of your public water system is required. To check if your water system is approved or to determine which agency has jurisdiction over your water system, use the following resources

Sampling Requirements for TWH Water Supply

  • Group B public water systems must be tested for nitrate and bacteria by a certified laboratory within 90 days before occupancy each year. Contact the lab for the most up-to-date sampling instructions.
  • A list of Washington State Accredited Drinking Water Labs is available through the Department of Ecology (PDF).
  • Submit copies of bacteriological and nitrate test results with your TWH license application or renewal form.

Sampling Frequency

  • Bacteriological (coliform) tests – Conducted annually.
  • Nitrate tests – Conducted every three years.

Rules and Regulations

WA Administrative Code (WAC) & Revised Code of Washington (RCW)

Washington State Department of Health

The legislature assigned responsibility for regulation of Temporary Worker Housing (TWH) program to the Department of Health. The following are RCWs and WACs relevant to temporary worker housing.

For rules that are in the process of changing or have recently changed, see our Rules in Progress-Updates. 

Washington State Labor and Industries

Federal Government- U.S. Department of Labor

The Migrant & Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act

To provide for the protection of migrant and seasonal agricultural workers and for the registration of contractors of migrant and seasonal agricultural labor and for other purposes.

Rules in Progress- Updates

Visit our THW rules page to learn about TWH rules and current rule-making activities.

Variance Procedure

WAC 358-040 Variance and procedure

Conditions may exist in operations where a state health and safety standard may not have practical use or are not feasible. In these cases, the operator may request a variance for a specific requirement and shall provide alternative means providing equal or greater protection in accordance with the requirements of chapters 49.17 RCW and 296-900 WAC.

A temporary variance may be requested under chapter 296-900 WAC, administrative rules, when an operator cannot comply with new requirements by the effective date(s) in this chapter because:

(a) The construction or alteration to a building cannot be completed in time;

(b) Materials or equipment are not available; or

(c) Professional or technical assistance is not available.

Applications for variances will be reviewed and may be investigated by the Department of Labor and Industries and the Department of Health. Variances granted will be limited to the specific case or cases covered in the application and may be revoked for cause.

The variance must remain prominently posted on the premises while in effect.

Requests for variances from safety and health standards shall be made in writing to the director or the assistant director,

Department of Labor and Industries
P.O. Box 44625
Olympia, Washington 98504-4625.

Variance application forms may be obtained upon request from the Department of Labor and Industries or using this link with a fillable form. Variance Application (F414-157-000)

External TWH Groups and Agencies 

Local Health Departments and Tribal Directory
State and Federal Agencies

State Agencies

Federal Government

Agricultural Workforce and Housing Resources
Agricultural Grower Organizations

Additional Resources

TWH Search Portals
  • Use Temporary Worker Housing Facility Search to search permit status for Temporary Worker Housing, address, google map, number of units and total occupants and prior inspection dates and results.
  • Use Construction Review Search Portal to search and check Temporary Worker Housing plan review status for TWH projects (new construction, manufactured, and existing facilities) by DOH Construction Review Services.
Worker Health and Safety Guidance

DOH- Food Safety Guidance and Posters

For additional food safety guidance and posters: 

Labor and Industries Guidance and Posters

DOH- Temporary Worker Housing Guidance

Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our FAQ page for the most common questions about TWH.