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Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Tacoma, WA (2026)

3 verified food trucks & mobile vendors rules for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Food Truck Permits

Operating a food truck on Tacoma's public ways requires a $225 City license, health department plan approval, fire inspection, and $1M liability coverage.

Tacoma Food Truck Vendor License

Some Restrictions

Tacoma Municipal Code § 6B.175.020 & § 6B.175.050

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in or carry on the business of food truck vending upon the public ways of the City without first having obtained a license or licenses pursuant to this chapter. ... The license fee for a Food Truck Vendor is hereby fixed as $225.

Vending Zones

Tacoma limits food truck vending to City-approved public-way locations in commercial zones, clear of driveways, crosswalks, hydrants, and six-foot walkways.

Tacoma Food Truck Location Rules

Some Restrictions

Tacoma Municipal Code § 6B.175.060

The City shall establish locations suitable for food truck vending. When reviewing locations the City shall consider the following non-exclusive criteria before approving the location for food truck vending. The location, at a minimum, shall: 1. Have restroom access that meets the requirements of WAC 246-215, as approved by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. 2. Be within an appro...

Sidewalk & Mobile Vending

Tacoma licenses long-term sidewalk vending carts in commercial zones, capping cart height at 5 feet and length at 96 inches with a required six-foot walkway.

Tacoma Sidewalk Vendor Cart Rules

Some Restrictions

Tacoma Municipal Code § 6B.180.020 & § 6B.180.110

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in or carry on the business of sidewalk vending upon the public ways of the City without first having obtained a license or licenses pursuant to this chapter. ... The height of a sidewalk vending unit, excluding canopies, umbrellas, or transparent enclosures, shall not exceed five feet. The length of the sidewalk vending unit shall not exceed (96) n...

Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tacoma city rules.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors in Pierce County