Spokane's Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles food trucks & mobile vendors a little differently. In Spokane, Washington, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Food Truck Permits

Spokane food trucks need a City mobile vendor license under SMC 10.36, a Spokane Regional Health District permit, and WA Department of Revenue registration. Commissary kitchens required. Fire-suppression inspection by Spokane Fire for cooking units.

Key details: City License: SMC 10.36. Health Permit: Spokane Regional HD. Commissary: Required. Fire: UL-300 suppression. Tax: DOR B&O and sales.

Operating without a license: up to $1,000 plus shutdown. Health violations: red-placard closure. Fire-suppression failure: immediate shutdown.

Vending Zones

Spokane food trucks operate on private property with owner permission or in designated public spaces under SMC 10.36. Downtown and Riverfront Park events require event-specific permits. Distance-from-restaurant rules are not generally imposed.

Key details: Private Property: Owner permission OK. Public Space: Permit required. Events: Special-event permit. Residential: Often prohibited. Noise: SMC 10.08D applies.

Unpermitted vending in prohibited zones: $250 fine plus shutdown. Sidewalk obstruction: $100 plus ticket.

The Bottom Line

Spokane's food trucks & mobile vendors rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Spokane is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Spokane's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.