Auburn, WA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

ACC 5.20.260 defines a mobile vendor broadly, covering any motorized or nonmotorized vehicle, trailer, kiosk, pushcart, stand, tent or table setup used to sell or serve food, beverages or goods, and defines a food truck specifically as an onboard-powered vehicle equipped to prepare or serve food with room for up to four employees. A vendor or truck that operates 10 calendar days or less within any 365-day period, and that never sits on the same parcel more than three consecutive days, is exempt from both a city business license and a temporary use permit.

Anyone who exceeds either threshold, more than 10 days a year or more than three straight days on one site, must get a city business license before operating, though mobile vendors and food trucks are specifically excused from Chapter 18.46A's temporary use permit process and from the added parking requirements of Chapter 18.52 ACC. Vending from the public right-of-way, along streets or sidewalks, requires a separate right-of-way use permit tied to one specific, non-transferable location under Chapter 12.60 ACC, on top of the business license unless the vendor is exempt on days.

Every operator, licensed or exempt, must still meet county and state health department rules, the fats-oil-grease plan requirements of Chapter 13.22 ACC for trucks tied into city utilities, and a Valley Regional Fire Authority permit for any propane or open-flame cooking equipment.