Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Seattle, WA (2026)
3 verified food trucks & mobile vendors rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Food Truck Permits
Seattle Fire Department requires its own annual fire-code permit for any food truck that cooks with propane, natural gas, solid fuel or an open flame: separate from SDCI's food-business license. Permit code 8206-TRK covers an SFD inspection and costs $490 a year to obtain or renew under the Fire Code Permit and Fee Ordinance, SMC Chapter 22.602.
Seattle Fire Code Permit for Food Trucks
Some RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 22.602.045.B (Table B, Code 8206-TRK)
B. The fees for the following special event permits are established in Schedule B. ... 8206-TRK Mobile food preparation vehicle including LPG (propane), CNG (compressed natural gas), and/or solid fuel/open flame/charcoal, with SFD inspection, annual (May be renewed as 8206-TRK or 8206-RGL) — Original Fee $490, Renewal Fee $490. 8206-RGL Mobile food preparation vehicle including LPG (propane), C...
Vending Zones
Seattle designates specific food-vehicle vending zones, most commonly in curb spaces adjacent to sidewalks. Zones are established by SDOT considering pedestrian flow, traffic safety, and proximity to businesses. Sidewalk and plaza street-food permits are valid for one year and are split between daytime (6 AM-8 PM) and nighttime (8 PM-6 AM) periods.
Seattle Designated Food-Vehicle Vending Zones
Some RestrictionsSeattle Streets Illustrated 5.2 — Programming Public Space: Vending
Vending activities in the right-of-way encourage the use, enjoyment, and safety of public spaces. Food carts and food trucks, in particular, help to provide engaging street activation that promotes economic development and creates vibrant spaces. SDOT offers six types of Street and Sidewalk Vending Permits depending on when and where vending activities will occur: A Sidewalk and Plaza Vending P...
Sidewalk & Mobile Vending
Mobile food carts and trucks in Seattle must comply with SDOT vending permits, King County Health requirements, Seattle Fire Department regulations, and the Seattle Municipal Code. Carts must meet size restrictions for sidewalk placement and maintain required clearances. Food trucks require specific vehicle compliance in addition to vending permits.
Seattle Mobile Food Cart and Truck Regulations
Some RestrictionsSeattle Food Business Handbook — Mobile Food Vending
Mobile Food Vending — Mobile food vending is a popular entry point for many food business entrepreneurs who want to enter the food service industry. [...] What is a Mobile Food Business? A food cart on the sidewalk; A vehicle used to prepare and serve food; A truck that drives through the city and vends on the curbside. [...] Steps for Opening or Expanding a Mobile Food Business: 1. Business Pl...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in King County →