Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
🍔 Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors/Food Truck Permits

Federal Way vs Kirkland

How do food truck permits rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?

Federal Way and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.

Federal Way, WA

King County

Some Restrictions

Food trucks in Federal Way need a King County Public Health mobile food unit permit, a Federal Way business license, and site-specific zoning approval when operating on private property or the ROW.

View full Federal Way rules →

Kirkland, WA

King County

Some Restrictions

Food trucks in Kirkland need a city business license, a Seattle and King County Public Health mobile food permit, and a Washington State business license before serving customers at permitted sites.

View full Kirkland rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactFederal WayKirkland
Health permitKing County PH MFU-
Business licenseFederal Way city-
Private lotOwner written OK-
Public right-of-wayROW permit required-
State License-WA Business License
Health Permit-King County MFU
City License-Kirkland Business License
Events-Special event permit
Fire Code-Type I hood when needed

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Federal Way FAQ

Can I park my food truck anywhere in Federal Way?

No, you need zoning compliance, a health permit, and either property owner permission or a ROW permit for street operation.

Do home cooks need a truck permit?

You need a full MFU permit or a WSDA cottage-food permit; home-cooked food cannot be sold directly without a license.

Kirkland FAQ

Can I park my food truck anywhere in Kirkland?

No. Food trucks must operate from approved sites with owner permission or city right-of-way permits. Random residential street vending is not permitted.

How long does it take to get a food truck operating in Kirkland?

Plan 6 to 12 weeks to secure the state license, Seattle and King County health permit with inspection, and the city business license before opening.

Compare other topics

See how Federal Way and Kirkland compare on other ordinance categories.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool