Street-Food Vending

What is Street-Food Vending?

• A food cart on the sidewalk;
• A vehicle from which food is prepared and served;
• A mobile truck that drives through the city and vends on the sidewalk.

Click here for a full checklist of requirements to operate a street-food business.

1. Are you a registered business in the State of Washington? All businesses are required to register their trade name and obtain a state business license (or Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number) prior to operating in Washington state.


2. Do you have a City of Seattle business license?  Every food cart or truck vendor is required to have a City business license.  Click here to apply online.


3. Do you have a Mobile Food Unit Permit?   or exemption from Public Health - Seattle & King County? A permit or exemption must be obtained from Public Health to operate a food vending cart or food vehicle in the city of Seattle. Note: All food vendors are required to be within 200 feet from a useable restroom.
   
   
   • Do you plan to operate a converted food truck? Washington State Department of Labor & Industries approval must be provided for food vehicles before Health Department plan review. Click here for more information.


4. Are you planning on using liquid petroleum gas (i.e. Propane) or Open Flame (i.e. Wood or Charcoal) to prepare the food?  A permit from the Seattle Fire Marshall is required for use of propane or an open flame.  Click here for more information.


5. Where would you like to vend?


• Street/Sidewalk/Public Plaza  - City right-of-way (i.e. curbspace, sidewalk, public plaza, etc.)


• Private Property - Privately owned property (i.e. parking lots, private plaza etc.)


• City Park -  Property owned by the Parks Department

STREET/SIDEWALK/PUBLIC PLAZA

What permits do I need?

• Street Use Permit - Seattle Department of Transportation

Note:  Street Use Permit and Mobile Food Unit Permit may be reviewed concurrently.

PRIVATE PROPERTY

What permits do I need?

• Permitting

CITY PARK

What permits do I need?

• Park Use Permit - Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation

Helpful Links

Seattle Street Food Forum's Facebook page

Seattlefoodtruck.com

For Truck's Sake - blog

SDOT Director’s Rule – Vending Design Guidelines

"Food Trucks for Dummies" - Eater