Vending in Public Right-of-Way

Update June 20, 2023: Application Timeline for New and Renewing One-Year Vending Permits for 2024 Vending Year

All 2023 one-year Vending Permits expire on January 31, 2024. The 2024 Vending Year begins February 1, 2024.

If you are interested in renewing your existing permit for your current site for the 2024 vending year, you may submit an amendment to your current permit record via the Seattle Services Portal.

If you will be a new SDOT vendor, OR if you are a current vendor hoping to vend at a new site for the 2024 vending year, you must submit a new application on the Seattle Services Portal.

Our application timeline for the 2024 vending year is below:

09/01/2023 FIRST day for vendors with one-year 2023 vending permits to submit RENEWAL applications for the 2024 year. These should be submitted as amendments (changes) to the current permit record.
10/01/2023 LAST day for vendors with one-year 2023 vending permits to submit RENEWAL applications for the 2024 year, before we open slots up to new vendors. These should be submitted as amendments (changes) to the current permit record.
11/15/2023 FIRST day for any vendors to submit NEW 2024 vending year applications for open days and times for existing sites that have not been renewed (as listed on our Vending Site Map) as well as for any new sites you identify.
01/02/2024 LAST day for any vendors to submit NEW 2024 vending year applications for open days and times for existing sites that have not been renewed (as listed on our Vending Site Map) before we hold a lottery for those open days and times.
01/31/2024 All current standard one-year 2023 vending year permits expire.
02/01/2024 FIRST day of the 2024 vending year.

Apply for a Vending Permit

If you want to vend food or flowers from the public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks, and public plazas), you’ve come to the right place! Vending from the public right-of-way requires a Street Use Vending Permit. For the Applicant Guide with details on permit requirements and how to apply, click the link below for the type of vending unit and location you prefer. 

Please note: Each separate Applicant Guide will provide you with information on available permit durations for that vending type (for example, standard one-year permits, 4-month trial site permits, and temporary event permits). 


Take your Pick!

Wait! Is a Street Use Vending Permit all I need? 

No! To vend on a public street, sidewalk, or plaza, you must have a current City of Seattle business license (also called a business license tax certificate). Almost all food vendors will need a mobile food service business permit from Public Health - Seattle & King County and a Seattle Fire Marshal permit to use LPG (propane) for food preparation. You can let us know if you are exempt from Public Health and/or Seattle Fire Marshal permitting requirements during your permit review process. Regardless of the type of vending unit you own or type of goods you sell, you will need to have current liability insurance throughout the length of your permitted period, and the insurance must name the City of Seattle as an “additional insured.”  For this last piece, please see our Client Assistance Memo 2102 which you can share directly with your insurer or broker. 

Welcome to the Vending Site Map!

We have replaced our old Vendor Bulletin with a new Vending Site Map! This new map displays all existing one-year vending sites. It also currently shows the days of the week and times of day that have already been assigned to renewing vendors for the 2/1/2023 - 1/31/2024 vending year.

When you first open the map, please read the ‘About This Map’ section to learn how to navigate the map and how to find information about existing sites and issued permits and applications.

You are welcome to apply for any days of the week or times of day at an existing site that are not currently permitted or under review as shown on the map. Below are some additional tips to understand what is available.

  • If you identify a new site that is not on the map and it meets our siting standards, you are welcome to apply
  • If a site is on the map, but there are no associated permits or applications shown, you can apply
  • If a site is on the map, and there are associated permits or applications shown, you can only apply for the days of the week and times of day that are not covered by those permits or applications. Any unpermitted times are available for you to apply

This map is newly developed, and we are already working on improvements to make it more user-friendly. If you have questions or need help understanding what existing sites are available, please email publicspace@seattle.gov or set up a coaching appointment with one of our reviewers.

I think I need help!

It can be complicated especially when you’re just beginning the process. Seattle’s Office of Economic Development is ready and willing to help you and has some excellent guidance for mobile food service businesses. If you’re new to street vending, we recommend you take a look at their “Steps for Opening or Expanding a Mobile Food Business." 

I want to vend in a Seattle Park!  

Seattle Parks and Recreation has their own permitting system. Please see their Seasonal Food Truck, Activities, and Fitness Concessions webpage for more information about vending in a Seattle Park.

I want to vend on a private property location!

If you’re interested in vending on private property, such as in a parking lot or on a private plaza, please talk to the property owner. For more information, please visit the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections webpage for Street Food Carts or Trucks.  

Still interested in vending from the public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks, and public plazas)? Then scroll back up and take your pick of your preferred vending type and location to learn more.  

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.