Federal Way vs Seattle
How do food truck permits rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
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 →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle requires food trucks to obtain a King County food establishment permit, a Seattle business license, and a Seattle street use permit to operate on public streets, with specific health and operational standards enforced by Public Health – Seattle & King County.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Health permit | King County PH MFU | - |
| Business license | Federal Way city | - |
| Private lot | Owner written OK | - |
| Public right-of-way | ROW permit required | - |
| Health Permit | - | King County food establishment permit required |
| Business License | - | Seattle business license required |
| Street Use | - | SDOT street use permit for public right-of-way operations |
| Commissary | - | Daily commissary agreement required for cleaning and supply |
| Inspections | - | Public Health – Seattle & King County conducts health inspections |
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.
Seattle FAQ
What permits do I need to operate a food truck in Seattle?
You need three main permits: a King County food establishment permit from Public Health, a Seattle business license, and a street use permit from SDOT if you plan to operate on public streets. You also need a commissary agreement with a licensed kitchen facility for daily cleaning and food preparation needs.
Can I park my food truck anywhere in Seattle?
No. Food trucks on public streets need an SDOT street use permit specifying approved locations. Trucks cannot block traffic, fire hydrants, bus zones, or crosswalks. Many operators use designated vending zones or operate on private property with the owner's permission, which does not require a street use permit but still requires all health and business permits.
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